Vol. 526 No. 4
168 Mr. Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the time is opportune to review the prohibition on asylum seekers working here in view of the large number of work permits being issued to non-EU citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26254/00]
The Government decided in July 1999 that asylum applicants who were in the State before end July 1999 and whose applications had not been processed within 12 months of arrival could seek paid employment. That remains the Government's position.
The large number of work permits granted this year – over 15,000 to persons from 120 countries outside the European economic area – demonstrates that we have a very liberal labour market regime in this State. A greater appreciation of the possibilities in this area might lead to an alleviation of pressures put on our resources by that proportion of asylum applicants who are, in effect, economic immigrants.
Question No. 169 taken with Question No. 80.
Question No. 170 taken with Question No. 136.
