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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 2

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

28 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the national consultative committee on racism and interculturalism regarding her plans to reduce the inflow of low skilled migrant labour; her views on the concerns raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12287/03]

I am aware of recent concerns about the economic migration policy expressed by the consultative committee. They appear to be based on a misunderstanding both of economic migration policy and of the recent changes to the eligibility criteria for granting work permits.

It is Government policy to ensure that the recruitment of overseas labour through the employment permit system continues to reflect the changing realities of the Irish labour market. At a time of slower economic growth and a higher level of redundancies, policy must adopt a more questioning approach to applications for employment permits in respect of non-EEA nationals. Our first obligation remains to the Irish and broader EEA labour force. The new eligibility criteria for employment permits will continue to be reviewed in light of experience and labour market developments.

Applications to renew existing work permits where the employee is being retained by his or her employer will not be affected by the new restrictions subject to the usual compliance by employers with employment rights legislation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

29 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which her Department and FÁS analyse the labour markets; and if FÁS is confident that it can supply employers with enough labour from the sectors which are subject to a ban on applying for work permits. [12240/03]

The new work permit operational procedure is based on a structure that allows national and local FÁS labour market intelligence to influence decisions relating to the eligibility-ineligibility of work permit applications within particular occupational disciplines. Based on data of registered job seekers by occu pational discipline supplied by FÁS on a quarterly basis, local FÁS labour market area groups advise on the occupational disciplines which should be considered eligible-ineligible for work permit application purposes. This decision-making process also includes consideration of the particular local labour market area characteristics and the experience of FÁS in processing vacancies advertised, where there is likely to be an eventual work permit application.

As regards the overall recruitment process, FÁS will facilitate employers in as far as possible in their recruitment efforts. This includes referring potential candidates to registered vacancies, notifying European public employment services of the vacancy and running a large number of recruitment events for various occupational sectors across Europe. This will assist employers in attempting to source local or EEA labour to fill positions in advance of any potential work permit applications. Employers are free to seek the required personnel through other agencies or channels. Where specific skills are required employers should also consider the option of training Irish or other personnel from the EEA.

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