Vol. 524 No. 2
135 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received an application for a work permit from a company (details supplied) in respect of a foreign national (details supplied); and when it is expected a decision will be made in this case. [22147/00]
An application for a work permit in respect of the individual concerned has been received by my Department and is currently being examined.
Because of the large number of applications for work permits received by my Department in recent months – 2,360 in September alone – the average waiting time for dealing with applications is about five weeks. Steps are being taken to reduce this waiting period and it is my intention, ultimately, that applicants should have to wait no longer than one week.
I will arrange to have this application examined as quickly as possible.
