Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Why are green cards not issued for non-consultant hospital doctor posts? Why are green cards not issued for highly qualified PhD graduates, as recommended by the innovation task force?

I have two supplementary questions about work permits. In a parliamentary question on 9 February I asked the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to supply the statistics on new work permits issued. I have not received a response as yet. Is it the case that the Minister of State is not monitoring the situation? Last month, the number of work permits increased by two thirds in the service industry in April of this year compared to last year, the highest recorded increase since December 2008. The Minister of State is asleep regarding what is happening.

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