Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

192 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job permits which have been issued in each of the past three years; if she has satisfied herself that this reflects the opportunities available in relation to job opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2714/03]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

193 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself that applications for job permits are from employers and not agencies acting on behalf of employees; the plans her Department has to review the mechanism for agencies in relation to such permits or change the guidelines in such matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2715/03]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

194 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the follow-ups her Department carries out to ensure that the employee receives all the said benefits of employment, and the duration of permit where job permits have been granted; the action her Department takes when the time of the permit expires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2716/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 194, inclusive, together.

Detailed statistics on work permits are available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie, including the number of work permits issued in the past three years which is as follows: 18,006 in 2000; 36,436 in 2001; and 40,321 in 2002. Applications for work permits are considered from employers to employ non-EEA nationals. While the duration of work permits ranges from one month to one year, the duration of the majority of permits issued is one year. When a permit expires, the employer can apply for a renewal of the permit, which is granted without the requirement to advertise through FÁS. It is my Department's policy generally not to issue work permits to agencies or to third parties and to only accept applications from the direct employer.

With reference to the question of follow-ups, the labour inspectorate of my Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland, including foreign workers employed under the work permit system. Inspectors pursue allegations of worker mistreatment for all the various categories of workers employed in Ireland and when evidence of non-compliance with the relevant employment rights legislation is found the inspectorate seeks redress for the individuals con cerned and, if appropriate, a prosecution is initiated.

The increasing demand for work permits continues despite the downturn in the economy, which has seen unemployment rates beginning to increase. The unemployment rate is still remarkably low and a buoyant labour market remains in Ireland. However, the work permit scheme is designed to meet demand for labour in circumstances where appropriate skills are not available locally. In this context, I recently announced changes in regard to work permits. The work permits scheme is being modified in order to ensure that the number of work permits being issued reflects changing labour market realities. In future, where it is determined on the basis of experience and local labour market analysis that appropriate skills exist in sufficient quantities, the employer will be advised that an application for a work permit will not be considered by my Department.

Furthermore, employers must have regard to Ireland's obligations, as an EU member state, to give preference to EEA nationals and to direct their recruitment efforts accordingly.