Calls Grow for Action Against Fine Gael Councillors Over Alleged Illegal Recruitment Fees Charged to Migrant Nurses
Dublin: Pressure is mounting on the government and Fine Gael leadership to take action against local councillors Baby Pereppadan and his son Britto Pereppadan following allegations that they illegally charged agency fees to foreign nurses recruited to work in Irish nursing homes.
Malayali nurses have lodged formal complaints with both the Gardaí and Kerala Police against Angel Care Consultancy Limited, a recruitment firm in which Baby Pereppadan is a partner. The allegations were first reported by an Irish media outlet.
In the wake of the revelations, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and Independent councillor Madeleine Johansson have filed a complaint with the Ethics Registrar of South Dublin County Council. Local PBP councillors Kay Keane (Tallaght South), Jess Spear (Tallaght Central) and Dara Adelaide (Clondalkin) have announced they will submit a similar complaint.
People Before Profit has urged Fine Gael leadership to respond to the allegations, demanding a full explanation of Baby Pereppadan’s ties to Angel Care Consultancy and any other recruitment firms. They have also called on Minister Simon Harris to make a public statement, following claims that Pereppadan boasted to a client about using his political connections to fast-track work permits and recruitment processes.
Murphy has called for a comprehensive investigation into the business dealings of both councillors. Sinn Féin’s housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin described the allegations as “serious” and “deeply exploitative” of hard-working migrant nurses, stressing that the reported fees were not only illegal under Irish law but also ethically unacceptable. Ó Broin questioned whether Fine Gael would investigate the matter internally and suspend those involved pending the outcome.
Under Irish law, it is a criminal offence for recruitment agencies to charge migrant nurses illegal fees. Three nurses have alleged they were billed for visa applications, work permits, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) aptitude tests, English language proficiency tests and flight tickets — costs which they were required to pay themselves.
Documents reportedly show that €3,000 in recruitment fees was paid into Britto Pereppadan’s bank account. Baby Pereppadan has denied any involvement in charging such fees, stating that he was unaware they were being levied through the company.
A Fine Gael spokesperson confirmed that Councillor Pereppadan had informed the party of the media report concerning Angel Care Consultancy.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Pereppadan addressed the controversy:
“Some of you may have seen recent media coverage mentioning my name in connection with a healthcare recruitment company. I want to be clear that my only involvement was giving early administrative advice when the company was being set up. I was offered a shareholding as a goodwill gesture but was never involved in its day-to-day operations or recruitment. I stepped away from any connection with the company a long time ago. I have always acted in good faith and within the law, both as a private individual and as your councillor. I have never charged or accepted money from anyone for my help. I will continue to serve this community with the dedication and integrity you have always known me for.”
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