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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 1

Written Answers. - Work Permits.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

94 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the request by the Irish Association of Directors of Nursing that work permits be made available for the spouses of non-national nurses working here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22569/03]

I am informed by the work permits section that work permits can be applied for in respect of spouses of non-EEA nurses in the same way as all other workers.

I am aware that there have been calls for such spouses to be given an automatic entitlement to work permits. However, many spouses have succeeded in finding an eligible employer and have a work permit issued on their behalf. Although it has been suggested that employers find it too troublesome to apply, my Department has issued in excess of 36,000 permits this year, which suggests that when employers wish to employ somebody they are not slow in applying for a permit.

This matter has broader implications for immigration policy and will have to be considered in that context.
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