Vol. 550 No. 5
37 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in her Department's review of economic migration policy; when she expects the review to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9473/02]
My review of legislation, procedures and practice in relation to economic migration is ongoing. Analysis of how the system has been operating, together with changes in the wider economic environment, has led to the introduction of the new procedures for recruitment of non-EEA personnel introduced with effect from 2 January last. The objective of the new arrangements introduced in January, which require employers considering seeking a work permit to first engage with FÁS placement services, is to ensure that a genuine attempt is made to source personnel from the domestic and or wider EEA area. The experience of this new procedure will help inform future policy in this area. I am also considering the adequacy of the existing legal framework relating to the recruitment and employment of non-EEA personnel and I plan to bring proposals to the Government in this regard within the next few weeks.
Question No. 38 answered orally with Question No. 10.
