Charles Flanagan
Question:24 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice if she will grant an amnesty to all non-national doctors who have experienced working visa problems in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Visa Applications.
Each visa application is considered on its individual merits as is the question of permission for a non-Irish national to reside in the State. That is the practice followed in all countries and I do not consider that it would be right for me to grant a blanket amnesty to any group of people who, for whatever reason, have not complied with the relevant statutory provisions governing such matters, simply because they hold a particular professional qualification.
However, I am sure that certain practical difficulties have arisen in the past in relation to non-Irish doctors, primarily as a result of delays on the part of employers in obtaining work permits to enable the holder to present it to the registration officer when seeking an extension of permission to remain in the State. The Deputy will be aware that I have recently established an inter-departmental committee of senior officials from my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Enterprise and Employment. The committee will examine current policy and practice in relation to non-Irish nationals with particular reference to such issues as admission and residence. I have asked the committee to examine specifically, the situation as regards non-Irish doctors as a matter of urgency to ensure that any practical difficulties of the type I have mentioned are overcome in whatever way possible and as soon as possible.