Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

Billy Timmins

Question:

59 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has to introduce new regulations which will permit non-European nationals to get work permits even if they do not possess a recognised skill in view of the fact there is a severe shortage of workers in the service industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6412/00]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

My policy is to issue work permits to employ non-European economic area nationals wherever an employer can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of my Department, that he or she is unable to recruit a suitable Irish or other EEA to fill the position concerned and where the relevant labour and immigration requirements are met in relation to the individual concerned.