Work Permits.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004

Tuesday, 9 March 2004

Ceisteanna (115)

Pat Breen

Ceist:

202 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be permitted to seek employment under the new legislation announced on 18 February 2004, whereby 10,000 work permits will be granted to spouses of foreign nationals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7793/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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

On 18 February 2004, I announced the introduction of an initiative to facilitate easier access to the Irish labour market by spouses of certain skilled non-EEA nationals working in Ireland. These new measures will be confined to the spouses of persons working here on working visas-work authorisations, to spouses of certain intra-company transferees and spouses of certain academics and researchers. In cases where some medical professionals are still working on work permits these will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

It is not intended generally that the spouses of persons on work permits would benefit from these new arrangements.