Work Permits.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004

Thursday, 30 September 2004

Questions (79)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

80 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if nursing homes and hospitals will be facilitated by removing barriers to the recruitment of non-EU, particularly Filipino, nurses’ aides; and if the onerous and odious requirement for rapidly expiring passports will be removed. [23057/04]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

Nurses' aides fall into the category of carers, for which no new applications for work permits are currently being considered. There is now a formal qualification which can be acquired by persons taking up these positions and which can lead to a career in the health service. There is no evidence of a shortage of such workers, to work in hospitals, from within Ireland and the wider European economic area.

The benefit to the wider health sector of admitting unqualified third country personnel to work in nursing homes is being examined in consultation with the health authorities.