Máire Geoghegan-Quinn
Ceist:101 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment when a decision will be made on an application for a work permit by a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [4041/95]
Written Answers. - Work Permit Application.
On 26 October 1994, a company in Galway applied to my Department for a work permit to employ a non-union national as an injection mould operator. This application was refused on the basis that the vacancy could be filled by an Irish/EU national. The local FÁS office has confirmed that there are many people available locally to take up such a position.
Policy in regard to the issue of refusal of a work permit is based on the need to ensure that job opportunities which arise within the State are, as far as possible, reserved for Irish or EU nationals. The issue of a permit is, therefore, not considered unless the employer can show that despite all reasonable efforts having been made there are no suitably qualified Irish or EU nationals available for the position in question.