The Work Permit Section of my Department has informed me that applications for work permits in respect of the above individuals were refused on 8 March 2006. New work permit applications are only being considered for skilled positions where it is not possible to recruit suitable persons from within the EEA.
In ethnic restaurants where there is significant investment, significant employment of EEA nationals and where a business case can be made for highly skilled and qualified non-EEA staff, my Department will consider such applications on a case by case basis. However in this instance my Department is of the view that the applications did not meet these criteria. The employer was notified of this decision in writing and of the right of appeal.
The employer submitted an appeal on 11 April 2006. The Work Permit Section upheld the decision to refuse on 10 May 2006. There has been no further correspondence from the employer on the issue.