Vol. 521 No. 4
56 Mr. D. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the inordinate delays in processing applications by non-nationals for work permits, particularly Canadians and those applying to the catering industry, in particular a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17293/00]
My attention has indeed been drawn to the recruitment drive for the catering sector by certain firms in Canada in recent months and I would like to take this opportunity to point out that it is incumbent on those seeking to recruit persons from outside the European Economic Area to acquaint themselves with the necessary procedures and requirements to qualify for a work permit and to give accurate advice both to prospective employers and to prospective employees. My Department has some concerns in this respect and has already conveyed them directly to the parties involved. I understand that work permits have, in fact, issued in respect of the two persons listed.
