Following the enactment of the Employment Permits Act on 10 April 2003, it is illegal to employ a non-EEA national without a work permit where one is required. Prior to this enactment, there were no offence categories to cover this issue. The Act introduced offences for both employers and employees if a non-EEA national is in employment without a valid work permit. Any prosecutions initiated under the Act are a matter for the Garda Síochána, which comes under the auspices of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
I am informed that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has made inquiries with the Garda authorities but it has not been possible in the time frame allowable to obtain the statistical information requested. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, will revert to the Deputy as soon as it is available.