Vol. 529 No. 4
55 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of non-national work visa applications which were received in her Department in the year 2000; the number of such applications which were approved; the average processing time in this regard; the level and type of information sought when such applications are being made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2899/01]
A total of 991 working visas issued in the year 2000 through Irish embassies and consulates abroad. Working visas are issued to visa required nationals of non-EEA countries with information and computing technology qualifications, to construction professionals, and to nurses. Under the same scheme non visa required nationals of non-EEA countries apply for work authorisations. A total of 396 work authorisations issued last year. These figures represent data for the first seven months of operation of the scheme from June 2000, when the new scheme became fully operational, until the end of December 2000. There is no data available in relation to refusals.
