I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 194, inclusive, together.
Detailed statistics on work permits are available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie, including the number of work permits issued in the past three years which is as follows: 18,006 in 2000; 36,436 in 2001; and 40,321 in 2002. Applications for work permits are considered from employers to employ non-EEA nationals. While the duration of work permits ranges from one month to one year, the duration of the majority of permits issued is one year. When a permit expires, the employer can apply for a renewal of the permit, which is granted without the requirement to advertise through FÁS. It is my Department's policy generally not to issue work permits to agencies or to third parties and to only accept applications from the direct employer.