Work Permits.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2004

Wednesday, 26 May 2004

Questions (102)

Billy Timmins

Question:

115 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the Irish Wheelchair Association which in the past employed foreign nationals as personal assistants but no longer applies for work permits for non-nationals; if a person can apply for a work permit for a person from Sri Lanka who is at present employed under their student visa; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15830/04]

Written answers

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

I understand that the work permits section of my Department continues to process work permit applications submitted by employers, including the Irish Wheelchair Association. In the post-EU enlargement situation, all employers should be able to source an adequate supply of employees from within the EU and no longer require non-EU employees, except in highly skilled and specialised areas. My Department has made different and more flexible arrangements in respect of employees already in the State on foot of work permits issued to a current or a previous employer.

With regard to the question of whether an employer can seek a work permit for someone residing here on a student visa, the answer is that work permit applications will not be considered in such cases.