Vol. 526 No. 3
155 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will arrange early approval of two applications for work visas in respect of non-nationals (details supplied) in County Carlow in view of the fact that the employer is experiencing great difficulty in securing suitable employees for his business. [26291/00]
I can confirm that applications for work permits in respect of the individuals concerned were received by my Department on 10 November.
Because of the large number of applications for work permits received by my Department in recent months – 2,360 in September and 2,353 in October – the average waiting time for dealing with applications at present is about four weeks. Steps are being taken to reduce this waiting period and it is my intention, ultimately, that applicants should have to wait no longer than one week. Nevertheless, in current circumstances, it would also be prudent for businesses to do a little more forward planning in relation to staff needs when it is intended to employ personnel from outside the State who require work permits.
I will arrange to have the applications examined as quickly as possible.
