Vol. 557 No. 4
198 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedures to be followed and the documentation to be presented by those who wish to work here as ICT technicians; the role of Irish embassies in this matter; the number of work authorisations issued for ICT technicians to date in 2002 by the respective countries concerned; if he is satisfied with the arrangements in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22263/02]
The working visas-work authorisation scheme was introduced in June 2000 by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. The scheme is operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The scheme provides for the issue of working visas to citizens of countries which require a visa to enter Ireland and work authorisations to citizens of countries which do not require a visa to enter Ireland.
Applications for work authorisations for ICT technicians are accepted from persons outside the State only. Applications must normally be made through the Irish embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of permanent residence and applicants may be required to attend for interview. If there is no Irish embassy or consulate in the country in question, the application may be made through any Irish embassy or consulate through the applicant's reference in Ireland or direct by post to the Visa Office, Department of Foreign Affairs, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland.
An applicant for an ICT technician work authorisation should present a completed application form; a job offer and contract from an employer in Ireland stating the starting date and pay and quoting the employer's registered number for tax purposes and the applicant's passport number; a passport valid until the expiration date of the relevant work authorisation; two photographs; an application fee of €50 or equivalent and evidence of relevant third level qualifications.
Outlined below are details of the number of work authorisations issued to ICT technicians by nationality based on figures provided by Irish missions abroad for 2002 to date:
|
Nationality |
Number of Work Authorisations |
|
Australia |
19 |
|
Brazil |
3 |
|
Canada |
13 |
|
Czech Republic |
6 |
|
Israel |
6 |
|
New Zealand |
11 |
|
Singapore |
1 |
|
South Africa |
68 |
|
USA |
3 |
|
Total |
130 |
