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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

Ulick Burke

Question:

99 Mr. U. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has to issue work permits to the 230 people awaiting clearance who were recently recruited for the hospitality industry by Galway Chamber of Commerce (details supplied) for the 2000 summer session; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14371/00]

In general, my Department advises applicants, that is, employers, for work permits to employ non-EEA – European Economic Area – nationals in the State to allow at least four weeks for examination of the application concerned. However, the time taken in individual cases depends very much on the circumstances of both the applicant and the person in respect of whom the permit is sought. It may, for example, be necessary to consult with other Departments and-or agencies in relation to certain applications.

I can confirm that a large number of the applications were received by my Department from the applicants concerned a few weeks ago for work permits to employ non-EEA nationals here. These are now being processed. While it is the Department's goal to deal with applications for work permits within four weeks, the significant increase in the number of applications this year means that that this can now take up to six weeks. Applications are generally processed in order of receipt, but due regard must and will be given to the particular problems faced at present by the hospitality sector because of its seasonal nature.
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