Noel Ahern
Question:67 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [31396/01]
Written Answers. - Work Permits.
I am not aware of the background to this particular case.
I am informed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that possession by a non-EU national of residency in another EU state, whether long-term or otherwise, does not confer on that person any entitlements in so far as permission to enter or reside in Ireland. Permission to work in Ireland depends on satisfactory immigration status.
If an employee remains with the same employer for five years, a work permit without limit may issue to that employer for the sixth year. A work permit is issued to the employer, not the employee.
The working visa-work authorisation scheme applies to sectors such as information and computing technologies – professionals and technicians – building professionals and nursing. This 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. This scheme is a faster alternative to the work permit procedure which continues to be available to employers in Ireland. Consideration is now being given to extending it to a wider range of medical professionals. Initial enquiries suggested that there was no demand for it to be extended to accountants but any evidence to the contrary will be considered, having due regard to conditions in the Irish labour market.
There is currently an eight week backlog in processing applications for work permits. There is no distinction made between applications, whether single or multiple. More than 35,000 work permits have issued so far in 2001. The number of work permits now extant is about 36,000.
All employees in the State, regardless of their nationality or status, have the same level of protection under our labour laws and social protection framework.