Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 45:

In page 8, to delete lines 21 to 25.

These amendments seek to deal with the restrictions the Minister of State is putting on work permits. While sections 3 to 6, inclusive, cover the application either by a prospective employer or a non-national for an employment permit, if an employer is applying he must show the offer of employment with all the terms and conditions of employment under section 5(1)(a). If a non-national is applying he or she must merely show the offer of employment under section 6(f). It is not specifically stated, however, what should be contained in the offer of employment. I am advised that this could be overcome by adopting the provisions of section 3 of the Terms of Employment Information Act 1994.

Section 8 provides that where the employer applies for a permit the period shall be for 12 months or less. Where the prospective non-national employee applies it shall be for a two-year period or for a longer period as provided for under section 13. This might be putting an unnecessary administrative burden on employers who have to apply on a number of occasions. As I discussed on Committee Stage, the amendments seek to tidy up the provisions whereby an unnecessary administrative burden would be placed on those applying for such permits.

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