Jimmy Deenihan
Question:123 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes she proposes in the matter of work permits for non-European Union workers; and the role of FÁS in this matter. [28613/01]
Written Answers. - Work Permits.
Louis J. Belton
Question:141 Mr. Belton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she envisages change in the work permit scheme for non-European Union citizens as a result of the economic slowdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28614/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 141 together.
Ireland does not have a formal quota-based migration policy with country or sectoral quotas. The admission of non-EEA personnel is largely market led. The onus is placed on employers to show that no EEA persons were available and willing to do the job. The work permit scheme is unrestricted in terms of the categories or skills of workers to whom applications can be submitted. The number of work permits granted under the scheme has increased substantially in recent years and the number of permits issued in 2001 to date is in excess of 32,000.
The working visa-work authorisation scheme has been operating now since June 2000 and in the period up to the end of August 2001 a total of 3,870 permits have been issued for high skilled workers in the IT, construction and nursing professions.
In light of recent setbacks in the economy and the rising level of domestic unemployment I am concerned that applications for work permits are continuing to increase. The average number of applications per week received over the past eight weeks was in excess of 1,200. I will shortly announce modification to the policy for issuing work permits in order to reflect the changing labour market environment.