Jim Higgins
Question:74 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has reconsidered the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a work permit. [7296/98]
Written Answers. - Work Permit.
I again refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 69 on 4 November 1997 and Question No. 104 on 19 November 1997 on this matter.
A first time application for a work permit was received by my Department in September and was refused on 3 October 1997.
Work permit policy is based on the need to ensure that job opportunities which arise in the State are, as far as possible, reserved for Irish or EEA, European Economic Area, nationals. Work permits are not granted unless the employer can show that, despite all reasonable efforts having been made, there are no suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals available for the position in question. In addition, we must also now have regard to the employment requirements of the growing legally resident non-EEA Muslim community in Ireland.
According to our records, the company concerned currently has five permits in respect of the Ballyhaunis plant and to date has, been issued with a total of 27 work permits in respect of ritual slaughtermen by my Department.