The number of work permits issued increased from 6,000 in 1999 to over 36,400 in 2001. Some 36,000 work permits have been issued to date this year. Despite the reduction in place numbers from 39,420 in April 1998 to the 25,000 places anticipated at the year end, there are still more community employment places than there are long-term unemployed. Many low skilled jobs continue to be filled by overseas personnel from both the EU and further afield. In this context our policy on work permits is kept under constant review having regard to domestic labour market circumstances.