Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
205. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for employment permits submitted by asylum seekers in the past month; and the number of successful applications. [18839/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom February 9th 2018, when section 16(3)(b) International Protection Act 2015 was struck down by the Supreme Court, until the date of entry into force of the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive, any eligible international protection applicants can access the employment permit system on the same basis as other non-EEA nationals. The opt-in process, involving formal discussions with the European Commission to ensure compliance with each aspect of the Directive, is expected to take four months to complete. The interim arrangements for the short period prior to the opt-in enables those seeking international protection to access the labour market through the Employment Permit Acts.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that one application for an employment permit has been received from an International Protection applicant and it is currently being processed.
The Department of Justice and Equality advise that on 9th February 2018 it established a self-employment scheme for those who have sought International Protection in Ireland that are waiting more than nine months for a first instance decision on their application.
As of the morning of 27th April 2018, the Department of Justice and Equality had received 541 applications for self-employment and 368 of those applications had been granted.
