asked the Minister for Labour in respect of 1987 and from 1 January 1988 to 31 October 1988 the number of applications for work permits which he has received from people wishing to work in the catering trade; the nationality of the applicants; the number granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Catering Trade Work Permits.
115.
Prior to 11 May 1987 statistics in respect of applications by employers for work permits to employ non-European Community nationals were not kept on the basis of date of application.
From 11 May 1987 to 31 December, 1987 the total number of applications made by employers in the catering trade was 198. The total number of applications in the same category for the period 1 January to 31 October 1988 was 228. Because of time lags in processing applications, information is not readily available on the decisions taken on these applications.
Statistics are available on the number of work permits processed and the decisions taken during the two periods in question.
These are as follows:
Catering Sector
|
Year |
Total Applications Processed |
Permits Granted |
Permits Refused |
|
1987 |
396 |
196 |
200 |
|
1 January to 31 October 1988 |
265 |
175 |
90 |
|
Totals |
661 |
371 |
290 |
Statistics are not readily available in respect of the nationality of applicants by sector of employment and the cost of obtaining such information would not be justified.
The countries in respect of whose nationals the highest number of work permits were granted for the two periods are as follows:
|
1987 |
January-September 1988 |
||
|
Country |
Number |
Country |
Number |
|
USA |
317 |
USA |
362 |
|
India |
251 |
India |
280 |
|
Pakistan |
244 |
Pakistan |
240 |
|
Hong Kong |
124 |
Hong Kong |
95 |
|
Romania |
84 |
Egypt |
63 |
|
Japan |
73 |
Japan |
62 |
|
Egypt |
65 |
Spain |
61 |
|
Malaysia |
59 |
Canada |
52 |
|
China |
58 |
Malaysia |
51 |
|
Canada |
46 |
China |
49 |
|
Iraq |
41 |
Romania |
43 |
As I indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 269 and 270 on 19 October last my policy in relation to the issue or refusal of a work permit is based on the need to ensure that employment opportunities arising here are reserved for Irish and EC nationals.