Vol. 495 No. 7
74 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has considered granting work permits to refugees and asylum seekers while they are awaiting a decision on their applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21739/98]
139 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has considered granting work permits to refugees and asylum seekers while they are waiting for a decision on their applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21846/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 139 together.
The policy in this area has been not to grant work permits ahead of the determination of the application for refugee or asylum status which is, of course, a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
I am reviewing the operation of the work permit scheme with a view to putting it on an appropriate statutory footing. Any changes in the basis of granting work permits would however, be a matter for the Government.
