Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 4

Written Answers. - Immigration Policy.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

60 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recent call made by IBEC for a new policy on immigration and especially their call for a simple, speedy and transparent work visa system for non-European Union nationals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3008/01]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

90 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who have availed of the fast-track immigrant visa scheme; if her attention has been drawn to criticism of the scheme made by IBEC and particularly its view that there was a need to promote the scheme more effectively at home and abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3001/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 90 together.

The latest available figures for the new working visa/ work authorisation scheme provide details of the number of working visas and work authorisations issued for the first seven months of operation of the scheme in the period June 2000 to the end of December 2000. A total of 991 working visas and 396 work authorisations issued in this period. The current processing time for working visas and work authorisations is a day or two, and I have every reason to believe that the procedures are working satisfactorily.

I noted the comments made recently by IBEC in relation to the new fastrack scheme. The scheme is being promoted extensively through the FÁS jobs fairs and through our embassies and consulates overseas. It is my Department's experience that employment agencies are well aware of the existence of the new arrangements and comprehensive details are available also on my Department's website and the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs. I would encourage IBEC, which is a member of the immigration policy advisory committee, to promote the scheme to its members, through its own network.