Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am keen that people will have an entitlement to work in our jurisdiction along the lines of the EU directive. I am also anxious that the entire process be as streamlined as possible and that people will know at any early date, in so far as possible, what the various timeframes will be. On 9 February, for the first time, applicants will come within the term of "foreign national" for the purposes of our employment law. The normal fee is €500 for a general employment permit valid up to six months and €1,000 for a duration of six to 24 months and conditions of employment will apply as it will for all third country nationals. Once the directive is confirmed, I intend to provide for access to the labour market for applicants by way of immigration permission. That, in effect, would exempt applicants from the employment permits system and any associated fee, which, in the circumstances, will be helpful.