Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

David Stanton

Question:

173 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which foreign nationals who wish to work as volunteers with charitable agencies are facilitated to work here; the requirements of her Department in this regard; the number of such applications received in the past two years from persons who went to work as volunteers; the changes made in requirements and procedures recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30143/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

I am informed that charitable agencies that employ non-EEA volunteers can apply for a work permit in the same way as any other employer. Statistics are maintained for defined job categories and no category for volunteers exists. Any policy changes in the work permit area that have been introduced in recent months apply to all employers and not just charitable agencies.

Joe Costello

Question:

174 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued by her Department in each of the past five years to date; the countries from which the workers were recruited; the types of employment for which permits were granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30169/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

Detailed statistics on work permits issued, are available on the work permits web page of my Department's website at www.entemp.ie I have arranged to have the Deputy supplied with details of the work permits issued for the past five years, including the sectors and the nationalities in respect of the employees concerned.