Vol. 487 No. 4
22 Mr. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on giving work permits to people who have applied for refugee status and have been in Ireland for more than six months in view of the fact that they may have a long wait before a decision is made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4233/98]
32 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on giving work permits to people who have applied for refugee status and have been in Ireland for more than six months in view of the fact that they may have a long wait before a decision is made. [4236/98]
75 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on giving work permits to people who have applied for refugee status and have been in Ireland for more than six months in view of the fact that they may have a long wait before a decision is made. [4234/98]
78 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on giving work permits to people who have applied for refugee status and have been in Ireland for more than six months in view of the fact that they may have a long wait before a decision is made. [4235/98]
112 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department will grant work permits to people who have applied for refugee status and who are in Ireland more that six months in view of the fact that they may have a long wait before a decision is made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4333/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 32, 75, 78 and 112 together.
The policy, at present, is not to grant work permits ahead of the determination of the application for refugee status which is, of course, a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
I am, however, reviewing the entire operation of the work permit scheme with a view to putting it on an appropriate statutory footing.
