Vol. 534 No. 2
60 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals she has to introduce a fast track processing procedure for applications for work permits from agricultural workers from New Zealand and South Africa during January, February and March 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10273/01]
I have no plans to introduce an exceptional fast track processing procedure for applications for work permits from certain agricultural workers as detailed above. Applications are made by employers seeking to recruit specific employees rather than by prospective employees seeking employment. There are no national or sectoral quotas attached to the current work permit procedure.
Despite a very large increase in applications this year to date, permits are being issued within about 20 working days of application. It is my intention to reduce this period substantially but the capacity to do so depends substantially on the rate of inflow.
The fast track working visa-work authorisation scheme introduced last year is confined to the following categories of employment: Information and computing technologies professionals and technicians, nurses and construction professionals. It may be extended to a number of other skilled categories.
