Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 2

Written Answers - Work Permit Query.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

87 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the procedure whereby a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, who is married to an Irish citizen, can obtain a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

Official policy in relation to the issue or refusal of a work permit is based on the need to ensure that, in accordance with relevant EC rules, job opportunities which arise within the State are, as far as possible, reserved for Irish or European Community (EC) nationals.

While sympathetic consideration is given to work permit applications in respect of persons who are the spouses of Irish nationals, each case must be considered on its merits. It is not possible to say in advance whether an application will be successful or what the outcome of any particular application might be.

The granting of a work permit is generally not considered unless the employer can show that, despite all reasonable efforts, there are no suitably qualified Irish or EC nationals available for the position in question, or that special circumstances apply; for example: (i) that the prospective employee is a key employee and that a substantial amount of high quality employment for Irish/EC nationals will arise as a result of his or her employment; or (ii) that the prospective employee is coming as part of a recognised exchange programme; or (iii) that the prospective employee is officially recognised by the Minister for Justice as being a refugee; or (iv) that the prospective employee is married to an Irish/EC national or is a dependent child or child under 21 of an Irish/EC national.

If the person in question is an EC national he does not require a work permit unless he is a national of Spain or Portugal who still require work permits.

I would suggest that the prospective employer should contact the work permits section of my Department.