I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits and all applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.
All employment permits are employer and location specific. Accordingly, if an employment permit holder wishes to change employer then a new application will have to be made on their behalf. There are no restrictions on foreign nationals who are the holders of current valid employment permits changing employer and the need for a Labour Market Test would not apply in such cases. However, in the event that a foreign national ceases to be employed by the employer named on the permit then the permit is no longer valid and must be returned to my Department for cancellation.
The Employment Permits Section has no record of current valid employment permits in respect of the named individuals and, in these circumstances, the current policy in relation to new first time applications would apply.
It is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:
highly skilled, highly paid positions or;
non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;
positions requiring specialist or scarce skills, expertise or qualifications which cannot be filled elsewise.
In line with this policy, applications for new work permits are subject to a strict labour market needs test intended to maximise opportunities for filling of vacancies from within the Irish labour market and wider EEA.
