Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very much welcome that the time period has improved dramatically. I thank the Minister and the Department officials for the work they have done in assisting that improvement. Getting a work permit is one issue and then there is the issue of visas. I understand an interdepartmental committee was set up between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Department of Justice in December. What progress has been made in respect of co-ordinating the work permit applications and visa applications? This is a difficult issue as people can wait for up to 20 weeks for a visa. That process needs to be expedited.

Another issue arises with regard to organisations that require people to get clearance, for instance, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the Medical Council of Ireland. The whole procedure for processing those applications needs to be expedited, even in cases where people have work permits.

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