I wish to advise the Deputy that this Work Permit application was refused on the 23rd February 2012 on the grounds that 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.
New Work Permit applications can only be considered where it is established that a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum is on offer, based on a 39 hour week.
Furthermore, new Work Permit applications can only be considered where it is established that the position has been advertised with FAS/EURES for a period of 8 weeks and for at least six days in both local and national newspapers.
The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and of his right to appeal within 21 days. An appeal against the Decision to refuse a Permit in this case was received on 8th March 2012. Appeals in respect of refusals of Work permit applications are processed in date of receipt order by permit type and this application will be processed in sequence.