Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 520: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will list the various types of work permit processed by his Department for entry into the State; the details of the application form and documentation required in each case; the average waiting time for processing each type of work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1152/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for issuing work permits. With the Department of Foreign Affairs, it has responsibility for issuing work authorisations and working visas. In general, non-EEA nationals are obliged to have a work permit, or a work authorisation or working visa, if they wish to work in this State. Work permits are issued to employers whereas work authorisations and working visas are issued to individuals. Work permit applications take approximately 15 working days to process, assuming they are complete and in order. Supporting details about applications can be found in the work permits page of the website of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, www.entemp.ie.

Work authorisations and working visas are processed at Irish embassies and consulates. Individuals should contact the relevant embassy or consulate to ascertain how long it will take to process their applications. Further details can be obtained from the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs.