Work Permits.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2007

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Ceisteanna (574)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

594 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will clarify the situation with regard to the status of au pairs from Bulgaria and Romania wishing to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14522/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin)

Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania who wish to access the Irish labour market for the first time require an employment permit. Regarding the position of au pairs, the Employment Permits Section of my Department operates a List of Ineligible Job Categories covering occupations which are expected to be sourced from within the EU/EEA and for which therefore Work Permits are not available. This list, which is on the Department's Employment Permits Website at www.entemp.ie, includes the following occupations in the category of Childcare Workers — Nursery/Crèche Workers, Child Minder/ Nanny.