Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2019
281. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asylum seekers that sought permission to access the labour market; the number of successful applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39735/19]
View answerThe European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, which came into effect from 30 June 2018, provide access to the labour market for eligible international protection applicants. The Regulations provide a wide access to both employment and self-employment in almost all sectors and categories of employment. There are a small number of exceptions, such as the Irish Civil and Public Service, An Garda Siochana and the Irish Defence Forces, due to their eligibility requirement of long-term residence or citizenship in the State.
I am advised by the Immigration Service of my Department that, since the introduction of the 2018 Regulations, a total of 4,697 international protection applicants have applied for a permission to access the labour market. Of those, 3,179 were granted a permission and 1,367 were refused as ineligible. The table below sets out the figures in more detail.
| Granted | 3,179 |
| Ineligible | 1,367 |
| Pending* | 151 |
| Total | 4,697 |
* The pending figure includes applications which have not yet reached 9 months, and those awaiting the return of requested supporting documents.
