Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

As part of that review, we considerably strengthened the labour market needs test so that jobs seeking a work permit had to be advertised through FÁS and in the national newspapers to ensure that the hidden way of advertising them in the past was done away with. I am happy the labour market needs test is strong enough to support the new applications issued. Many Deputies approach the Department regularly to try to get support for various work permits, particularly in the catering industry as we become more specialised in our tastes as a country and in the way the industry is responding to those tastes. I am happy with the current labour market needs test and I will consider a further review.

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