Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 254: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will issue a work permit to a person (details supplied). [3101/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No record of a valid work permit application exists in this case. Incomplete or inaccurate applications are returned to the employer for completion. In the aftermath of EU enlargement, it is Government policy that employers should be able to source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Accordingly, only in cases where exceptional levels of skill and qualifications are needed for the job, and the employer has made meaningful attempts to find EEA nationals first, will my Department now consider work permit applications.