Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of and the sectors of the economy in which work permits have been applied for in the past year; and the number which have been granted. [12606/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In 2004 the work permit section of my Department received 34,692 valid applications from employers seeking work permits in respect of non-EEA nationals. A total of 34,067 applications were granted and 1,486 were refused. There was a carryover of 1,116 applications into 2005. From 1 January to 31 March the section processed 6,253 valid applications, of which 5,866 were granted and 387 were refused.

Set out below is an appendix of the sectors of the economy to which work permits were issued and refused over the same periods for the Deputy's information.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the complaint that drink prices in Bray and Greystones are particularly high according to Dublin visitors; if the matter will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12607/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I note the concerns raised by the Deputy. I do not, however, have any detailed information in regard to drink prices in Bray and Greystones. In the matter of prices, including drink prices, the Government believes that the best policy is to promote greater competition and consumer awareness and to ensure that customers are in a position to make informed choices before deciding whether to purchase a particular product or service.

In this regard, the Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order 1999 obliges owners of licensed premises to display the price of a list of certain drinks immediately outside or immediately inside each entrance to their premises. The order, which is enforced by the Director of Consumer Affairs, provides customers with fair warning of the prices being charged before they enter a licensed premises. If members of the public discover instances where they believe prices are not properly displayed, they should bring this to the attention of the Director of Consumer Affairs who can be contacted at 4 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2 on lo-call number 1890 220 229 or by e-mail at odca@entemp.ie. Customers who believe drink prices in any particular premises to be unreasonably high should take their custom elsewhere.