Vol. 544 No. 3
110 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if qualified nurses are given fast track assistance by her Department when seeking to come here to work in the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25554/01]
To facilitate the recruitment of suitably qualified people from non-EEA countries for designated sectors of the employment market where skill shortages are particularly acute, a working visa and work authorisation scheme was introduced last year. This fast track scheme makes it possible for prospective employees with job offers from employers in Ireland to obtain immigration and employment clearance in advance from Irish embassies and consulates. Registered nurses are among the categories of professionals which were designated for inclusion under this scheme. The new scheme does not replace the existing work permit scheme, which is still available to employers, but it is a faster alternative. In the period from June 2000 up to the end of August 2001, a total of 1,819 working visas/work authorisations were issued for nurses. I am advised that in general the turnaround time for the issue of a working visa-working authorisation is less than two weeks.
