Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 September 2022
83. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review applications for work permits (details supplied); if he will examine and expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47427/22]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that following the consideration of additional information received at review stage in respect of one of the persons concerned (in the details supplied) a decision was made to award a Renewal General Employment Permit. The permit issued on 22nd September 2022.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department also informs me that on dates between 28th September 2021, and 6th September 2022, the General Employment Permit renewal applications for the other three persons concerned (in the details supplied) were refused.
In each instance, the applicant was informed of the refusal reasons and of their right to request a review of the refusal decision within 28 days from the date of issue of the refusal letter. In each case an appeal was received, however the appeals were received after the 28-day period in which an appeal must be submitted, and therefore they could not be considered. The applicant was informed in each case of this decision.
The refusal to grant an employment permit does not preclude an applicant from submitting another application for an employment permit. Such an application should comply with all of the legislative requirements for the particular employment permit type.
It must be noted that due to the length of time from the expiry of the original permits in respect of these individuals, renewal applications cannot be considered, therefore new General Employment Permit applications are required to be submitted.
Under employment permit legislation 90% of the fee paid is refunded if an application is either withdrawn or refused. The applicant is advised to request a refund in respect of these three cases, by completing and returning the mandate form which will facilitate the processing of the refund.
A checklist document has been prepared to assist applicants when applying for a General Employment Permit specifically for the role of a horticultural worker and this document can be accessed on the Department’s website through the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/publication-files/checklist-for-horticultural-meat-dairy-general-employment.pdf.
It is important to note however that the role of horticultural worker is subject to a quota and once the quota of 1,000 permits introduced last year has been reached no further permits will issue for this role. All applications received are dealt with in order of date of receipt, so the company concerned is advised to submit new General Employment Permit applications for this role as soon as possible.
