Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
236 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has plans to review the work permit system in relation to the awarding of permits to the spouses of professionals, and the difficulties this creates for those in seasonal employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26500/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew arrangements were introduced earlier this year which were designed to give greater ease of access to employment for the spouses of certain non-EEA nationals working in the State under specified schemes and facilities. The non-EEA nationals concerned are persons working here on working visas or work authorisations, certain intra-company transferees, certain academics and researchers on work permits and certain registered medical professionals on work permits. The facilitation of access to work for spouses was achieved by eliminating the requirement that the employer in question advertise the job with FÁS in advance of making a work permit application, by the acceptance of applications for jobs in any category, providing the original work permit holder is skilled as defined; and by waiving the fees normally payable in respect of the application of a work permit.
A detailed set of guidelines, outlining the eligibility criteria and procedures relating to these arrangements, has been available on my Department's website, www.entemp.ie, since April and has been circulated widely. I have no plans at present to review these arrangements.
237 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when his Department will make a decision concerning a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; the reason this person’s application has been delayed, despite repeated claims by his Department that a decision was to take up to eight weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26517/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a work permit for the above named individual was received on 9 August 2004. This application was recently refused and the work permit section wrote to the employer on 27 October 2004 setting out the reasons for the refusal.
