Vol. 571 No. 1
255 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to amend work permit regulations in order that work permits issue to the individual, rather than to the employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20269/03]
Under Irish legislation only an employer can apply for a work permit to employ a non-EEA national in respect of an identifiable job vacancy. The EEA, European Economic Area, consists of the EU together with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. When filling job vacancies, preference must be given to Irish and EEA nationals. There are no plans at present to significantly change this vacancy driven policy.
