Migrant and refugee women in Ireland face significant and overlapping barriers when trying to access employment — from qualification recognition issues and childcare responsibilities to language barriers, rural isolation, unconscious bias, and confusion around immigration permissions. At a time when employers are struggling to find skilled talent, these barriers represent not just an equality issue, but a missed opportunity for Irish organisations. In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Fiona Hurley, CEO of NASC, to discuss the findings of NASC’s Breaking Barriers report, which captures the lived experiences of migrant women navigating the Irish labour market. Together, they explore why highly skilled migrant women — including those with STEM, healthcare and professional qualifications — are being filtered out of recruitment processes, how employer misunderstanding of immigration stamps limits opportunity, and what HR leaders can do practically to remove bias and widen their talent pool. Guest Fiona Hurley – CEO, NASC (Migrant & Refugee Rights Charity) Topics include: Key findings from Breaking Barriers: Challenges in Employment Access for Migrant Women • Childcare, transport and structural barriers that disproportionately impact migrant women • Accent bias, language assumptions and discrimination in recruitment • Why overseas qualifications and experience are routinely undervalued • The “invisible talent pool” of highly skilled migrant women in Ireland • Immigration stamps explained: Stamp 1G, Stamp 1, Stamp 4 and common employer misconceptions • Why confusion around work permissions leads to exclusion — even when candidates have full work rights • How screening tools, interview panels and unconscious bias filter candidates out early • Internships, mentoring and work shadowing as practical entry points • Case studies of employers getting it right through partnership and flexibility • What HR professionals can do now to design fairer, more inclusive recruitment systems Useful Links & Resources Breaking Barriers: Challenges in Employment Access for Migrant Women – NASC Report • NASC contact: [email protected] Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at [email protected]. For confidential HR support, contact [email protected] About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 📧 [email protected]

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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