Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2004
174 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding an application for a non-EEA work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) who is working under a work permit at present. [7187/04]
View answerA work permit application was received on 24 February 2004. Assuming the application is complete and is otherwise in order, work permits take approximately four weeks to process.
175 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a work permit was obtained in respect of a person (details supplied) in 2003. [7188/04]
View answerThe work permit was not issued as the employer in this case wrote to the work permit section of my Department in September 2003 requesting the work permit application to be cancelled on the basis that the employee withdrew her intention to work for this employer.
176 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the conditions under which a person from Bali may obtain a work permit for employment here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7244/04]
View answer177 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the conditions under which a US national may obtain a work permit for employment here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7245/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
An employer who wishes to employ a non-EEA national must apply to my Department for a work permit. In considering such applications cognisance is taken of the status of the prospective employee, the skill requirements of the job and whether the employer has sought an Irish or EU person for this work. My Department gives preference to accession state nationals particularly in respect of low-skilled jobs.
After EU enlargement, in May 2004, it is anticipated that new work permits will be granted only for high skilled, high paid employment, the balance of our overseas personnel needs being met from within the enlarged EU labour market.
