Bernard J. Durkan
Question:68 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the length of time applicants for work permits can expect to await a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9656/02]
Vol. 550 No. 5
68 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the length of time applicants for work permits can expect to await a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9656/02]
The work permits section is currently processing applications received approximately ten weeks ago, compared with an average waiting period of eight weeks in late 2001. The processing time for work permit applications has risen due to the unprecedented number of applications that continue to be received in the Department. The number of work permit applications increased from an average of over 350 per week in 2000 to over 825 per week last year. The level of applications continued to climb during the year and in December alone an unprecedented 5,690 applications were received.