I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.
On 18 February 2004 I announced the introduction of an initiative to facilitate easier access to the Irish labour market by spouses of certain skilled non-EEA nationals working in Ireland. This change will apply to the following: spouses of persons on working visas or work authorisations, that is, health professionals; construction professionals; IT professionals; spouses of persons on intra-company transfer for longer than one year; and spouses of certain research specialists. A spouse of any of these categories of workers will still require a job offer from an employer in any sector. The employer then applies for a work permit from my Department. This process will be made as simple and as straightforward as possible. The operational details of the scheme are being finalised with relevant Departments and the Garda national immigration bureau and will be announced shortly.