Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
125. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the work permit process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39672/20]
View answerAll applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit. All employment permits are employer and location specific and any new employment requires a new employment permit.
Generally where an employment permit holder has been made redundant he/she must notify the Employment Permits section of my Department when the employment ceases on the prescribed Redundancy Notification form. An employment permit holder then has up to six months from the date on which their employment ceases to find another job.
If a permit holder wishes to change employer, he must submit an application for a new employment permit in line with the eligibility criteria for that permit type, particular attention should be paid to the minimum remuneration criteria.
In March 2020, my Department implemented a contingency plan to ensure that the employment permit regime could continue to operate throughout the COVID-19 crises. The Department is committed to flexibly dealing with employment permit issues that arise for both employers and employees as a result of the pandemic. Full details in relation to the contingency arrangements introduced by the Employment Permits Section in response to the pandemic can be accessed on my Department's website through the following link: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Employment-Permits-System-Contingency-Arrangements.html.
It is not possible to advise the Deputy on this individual case as not enough information has been provided. I have requested that one of my officials contact the Deputy to seek more information so that my Department can advise properly.
