Previous data from 2007 provided by the Health Service Executive to my Department indicated that 90.19% of staff were from Ireland, with a further 2.47% from the rest of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) combined. Further data, including the number of staff of non-EU staff, i.e. excluding the European Economic Area, may be available from the HSE. However, due to industrial action by the Civil & Public Services Union (CPSU) and the Public Service Executive Union (PSEU), my Department is not in a position to refer this Dáil question to the HSE.
In relation to work permits, it is a matter for the HSE to comply with relevant legislation in each particular case.