Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

85 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her Department's policy in regard to the issuing of work permits for those from outside the EU; the changes, if any, planned, particularly having regard to increasing reports of labour shortages; if she will ensure that any policy change in this regard will have a strong humanitarian dimension and will not be involve selective choosing of skilled or semi-skilled workers from less developed economies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25018/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

My Department's policy is that we are prepared to issue work permits for the employment of non-European Economic Area nationals in the State where an employer can demonstrate that they have been unable to recruit a suitable Irish or other EEA national for the job concerned and where the relevant immigration and labour law requirements are met. The Government is, at present, considering proposals in relation to immigration with a view to meeting perceived labour shortages in the Irish economy.