Vol. 458 No. 5
50 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to review the operation of the Aliens Order, 1946, as amended by the Aliens (Amendment) Order, 1975, with regard to the granting of work permits for non-EU nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17237/95]
The legislation relating to work permits is contained in the Aliens Act, 1935 and the Aliens Orders, 1946 to 1975. That body of legislation contains a wide range of provisions covering all aspects relating to the treatment of non-nationals in Ireland including that related to the granting of work permits. This Act and Orders are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, so any amendments or reviews would be for her to consider.
However, my Department recently participated in the interdepartmental committee on non-Irish nationals which was established by the Government in 1993 to examine all matters relating to the treatment of non-nationals in the State. The committee comprised senior officials from the Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs as well as my Department. The committee examined all such matters, including work permits, and their report is substantially complete, particularly so far as the work permits area is concerned. I am currently considering the committee's recommendations in this regard and, in consultation as is necessary with the Minister for Justice, will shortly decide what my future actions will be.
