Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the promised legislation to put the employment permit regime on a comprehensive and sound statutory footing; the reason for the delay in bringing forward the legislation, which was originally promised for 2003; if it is intended to replace the current work permit system with a green card system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28343/04]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to alter the work permit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28392/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 146 together.

The preparatory stages of the employment permits Bill have taken longer than expected due to the change in labour market circumstances and the need to achieve greater clarity and simplicity than the original draft provided for. I expect to publish the Bill during the current Dáil term. The Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs announced recently that a firm of consultants had been engaged to design a new work permits system. A significant feature of the new system will be a prior registration process whereby employers will be required to register with my Department before a work permit can be issued. This is intended as one of a number of measures aimed at enhancing controls to eliminate any potential abuses.