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International Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2019

Tuesday, 8 October 2019

Questions (145)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

145. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 320 of 2 July 2019, the number granted labour market access permission and who reside in direct provision; the number of self-employed returns and employed returns since the same date; the number of persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40700/19]

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Written answers

The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 came into effect from 30 June 2018. The Regulations included access to the labour market for eligible international protection applicants. The Regulations provide access to both employment and self-employment.

I am advised by the Immigration Service of my Department that as of the 3rd October, 2019, 3,223 applications for a labour market access permission have been granted. A total of 2,392 of these grants are for persons residing in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).

When an international protection applicant is issued with a labour market access permission under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 and takes up employment, the employer (or applicant in the case of self-employment), is obliged to inform the Minister for Justice and Equality within 21 days. A standard form for this purpose is available on the website of the Immigration Service of my Department.

I am advised by the Immigration Service that, based on the returned declaration forms received to date, a total of 1,593 applicants have indicated they have commenced employment or self-employment, of which 1,127 are living in accommodation provided by IPAS. As the employer or applicant has 21 days from the time they take up employment or self-employment to return the declaration form, there is likely to be a time lag between the actual date of commencement of employment and the Immigration Service being notified of same.

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