Vol. 517 No. 5
66 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average length of time for a work permit application to be processed, including details on a regional basis; the plans, if any, she has to shorten the processing time in view of the labour shortage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10226/00]
The length of time taken to examine an application for a work permit to employ a non-European Economic Area national will vary depending on the circumstances of the individual case. My Department, however, advises potential applicants to allow at least four weeks for processing of applications. This applies to any regional location.
Since the beginning of this year the volume of applications received by my Department has increased substantially and the Government has now agreed, on my recommendation, that the work permit system should be adequately resourced and promoted.
67 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will issue a work permit to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who has skills in the information technology field. [10227/00]
No application for a work permit in respect of the person concerned has been received by my Department so far.
