Vol. 529 No. 4
57 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the investigation that has been held into claims that two foreign businessmen have been offering Irish work permits for sale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3011/01]
93 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of investigations taking place in her Department relating to the sale of work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2013/01]
95 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an investigation taking place in her Department relating to the sale of work permits has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2010/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 93 and 95 together.
My Department charges an administrative fee to Irish employers for the examination and issue of work permits in respect of non-EEA nationals where such approval is warranted. This is the only fee which is payable in respect of the issue of a work permit in this State.
In recent times complaints have been made to me that some non-nationals and recruitment agencies have been claiming that they can guarantee a work permit for admission to this country in return for large sums of money. I would like to take this opportunity to make it clear that no one can guarantee work permits for non-nationals. Such permits are only be issued by my Department and are granted only where the relevant conditions have been met. I have instructed my Department to examine very carefully any future applications for work permits involving individuals or agencies about whom complaints have been received.
