I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 88 together.
Following discussion with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform a number of changes have been introduced to the arrangements governing work permits. Essentially, a number of categories of non-EU nationals who previously required work permits in order to take up employment in the State will no longer require such permits. These arrangements will be kept under review to ensure that they are effective and do not give rise to abuses.
As and from 6 April 1999 persons who have been given permission to remain in the State because they are married to Irish nationals will no longer be required to be covered by work permits in order to take up employment in the State. Similarly, such persons may now also engage in business or in a profession without seeking the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
It must be emphasised that the position outlined above applies only to persons who have been given leave to remain under the aliens legislation. The mere fact that a person is married to an Irish citizen or has an Irish child is not enough and a person in this position should not work even if a work permit has issued but should first seek the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to remain in the State.
With regard to extending the right to work to other non-EU-EEA citizens, I have recently submitted proposals to Government which, if agreed, would allow work permits to be issued in respect of certain categories of asylum seekers.