Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Under the Employment Permits Act 2006, the fee for an employment permit may be refunded if an application has been refused or withdrawn prior to the issuing of the permit. The fee is not normally refunded, however, after the permit has been issued. Employment permits are processed in accordance with the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 and SI Nos. 682 and 683 of 2006, which clearly and comprehensively set out in legislation the procedures relating to applications for permits, the granting or refusal of permits and the fees which apply to permits. Under the 2006 Act, a new permit is not normally considered unless a period of 12 months has elapsed since the foreign national first commenced employment in the State. This retention measure was included to allay the fears of employers who have spent time and money on trying to source suitable employees. However, permits may be issued within 12 months if there appears to have been abuse of an employee or there are other exceptional circumstances.

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