Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 6

Written Answers. - Work Permit Application.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

71 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if a Malaysian student in Ireland, who will shortly marry an Irish national, is barred from working; if notwithstanding a marriage ceremony taking place, this person will still be barred from working for a three year period; the way in which such couples wishing to work in order to get a mortgage for a house can get this money together, if his Department bars such students from work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4213/95]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

Section 4 of the Aliens Order, 1946 — as inserted by the Aliens (Amendment) Order, 1975 — places the obligation on an employer to obtain a work permit in respect of all non-EU nationals the employer wishes to employ. Work permit applications must, therefore, be made by an employer wishing to employ a non-EU national.

Applications for work permits in respect of non-EU nationals who are married to Irish-EU nationals are generally given favourable consideration, provided satisfactory supporting documentary evidence is furnished to my Department. In addition the normal work permit fee, which is payable by the employer, is waived in respect of such applications.