Vol. 547 No. 1
119 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the extension of the new working visa scheme for medical professionals is expected to be introduced; if a person must be outside the country when applying; if a person on a work permit here can transfer to the new medical professional scheme; and if the new visa can be applied for at any time or only at the end of an existing work permit. [2328/02]
My Department has been engaged in discussions with the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform with a view to extending the scope of the working visa-work authorisation scheme to include a range of professionals in the medical and health care fields. While the discussions have reached an advanced stage, I am not yet in a position to make an announcement about changes to the scheme. However, I will do so when the outstanding issues have been resolved.
The working visa-work authorisation scheme is only available to eligible persons living abroad who have a job offer in Ireland. The work permit facility is an alternative, but different, method of entry for purposes of work.
