Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the finding in the CSO's population and labour force projections, which suggested that Ireland will need 50,000 immigrants a year over the next 12 years to meet labour force needs; the way in which he intends to respond to the projection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6156/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Economic migration policy in Ireland is predicated on economic needs, and it therefore addresses identified labour and skills shortages. As the economy grew in recent years, there was a consequential increase in the demand for labour. Where suitable workers were not available in Ireland or the wider European Economic Area, which consists of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and, for this purpose, Switzerland, the shortage was catered for through the work permit system.

In a gesture of solidarity with the ten new EU member states, the Government decided to allow free movement to nationals of those countries from accession on 1 May 2004. Because a large proportion of work permits issued in recent years had been granted to nationals of the ten countries in question, it was decided that future economic migration from outside the European Economic Area would be confined to higher-skilled or higher-paid personnel.

In 2004, 34,000 work permits were issued, of which over 10,000 related to new applications. In addition, in excess of 50,000 nationals of the ten new member states entered the State from May to December 2004.

Also, the new employment permits Bill now being finalised will contain provisions which will enable me to respond quickly and flexibly to skills shortages in the economy.

Taking account of those developments and the CSO projections to which the Deputy refers, in combination with the numbers of returning Irish emigrants, I am satisfied that Ireland's labour needs will be met in the years ahead.