Emmet Stagg
Question:72 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications for the labour shortage here of the Nice Treaty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17265/01]
Written Answers. - Nice Treaty.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the potential of the candidate countries, following their accession to the European Union, to help meet the labour supply needs of the Irish economy.
The employment action plan sets out the strategic objectives of labour market policy in Ireland. A key objective of the plan is to "mobilize labour supply, including through increased female participation, equal opportunities and a balanced increase in immigration, in order to contribute to a consistent, strong, sustainable and non-inflationary level of economic growth". Consistent with that approach Ireland currently operates polices which encourage inward movement of both European Economic Area, EEA, and non-EEA nationals to fill job vacancies.
The European Union represents a common labour market of 160 million people. Under the treaties of the European Union, nationals of other member states have the right to take up employment in Ireland on an equal basis with Irish citizens. Over the longer term, provided economic and employment growth is maintained and subject to the extension of the more liberal movement of workers under the EU treaties to the accession countries, this should further facilitate the recruitment of workers from those regions into the Irish economy.
In relation to non-EEA nationals, a work permits and work visa authorisation regime is in operation. Work permits are issued to employers to recruit named individuals to fill vacancies in the firm. A work visa scheme was introduced last year to facilitate the recruitment of suitably qualified people for designated sectors of the labour market where shortages were particularly acute.