Work Permits Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018

Tuesday, 20 March 2018

Ceisteanna (945)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

945. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the attention of all staff in Intreo offices will be drawn to the fact that spouses of critical skills work permit holders that have entered the State on a stamp 3 dependant visa are eligible for a spousal or dependant work permit and can apply for jobs advertised in Intreo offices; if Intreo offices can provide the correct information in this regard to persons in this position seeking assistance from Intreo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12164/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

The Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit enables the immediate family members of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders and researchers to enter the labour market during their period of residence here in Ireland. Its objective is to motivate foreign nationals with in-demand skills to take up employment in Ireland by providing a mechanism for their families to integrate easily into the Irish labour market.

The criteria which have been set for this employment permit type allows for a wide range of employment circumstances - the minimum remuneration threshold is set at National Minimum Wage, a ten hour baseline for weekly working hours is stipulated, and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List is not applied.

All relevant staff in Intreo Centres have been advised of the arrangements in place for this small cohort.