Vol. 576 No. 5
98 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when changes will be introduced to give the spouses of migrant workers the right to work here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29853/03]
I am aware that there have been calls for spouses to be given an automatic entitlement to work permits. Any proposal to grant work permits on the basis of marital status rather than on the basis of skills would have broader implications for immigration policy and the labour market and will have to be considered in that context. For example, work permits are now granted in respect of an eligible vacancy for which a suitable EEA candidate could not be found. A change along the lines suggested would imply a willingness to issue two work permits in respect of each eligible vacancy.
Work permits may be applied for by employers in respect of spouses of non-EEA nationals, including nurses, in the same way as for other non-EEA workers, and permits are granted on foot of a valid application from an eligible employer.
99 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in her consideration of the legal framework relating to the recruitment and employment of persons from outside the EU and EEA area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29931/03]
While drafting of the Employment Permits (No. 2) Bill 2003 has been completed by my Department and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, I have asked for further work to be done on a number of legal issues arising. In the meantime, work on examining the draft Bill is continuing within my Department.
I am most anxious that this Bill, which seeks to put the instruments of economic migration on a sound statutory basis, be published as soon as possible and that the outstanding issues be resolved as expeditiously as possible.
