Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated annual requirement in respect of emigrant workers here in each of the next five years, based on the experience of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18457/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The population and labour force projections compiled by the Central Statistics Office project immigration over the next five years, depending on the assumptions used, to be either 41,000 or 51,000 per annum, while the net inward migration is projected to be 20,000 or 30,000. These projections are based on recent migration trends and would include migrants who may not enter the labour force.

In 2004, 34,000 work permits were issued and of this number over 10,000 related to new applications. In addition, in the last year 80,000 nationals of the ten new member states entered the State, of which it is estimated that over 50,000 entered the labour force. Taking into account these statistics, along with the number of returning Irish immigrants, the large student working population and immigration from the EU15, I am satisfied that Ireland's labour needs will be met in the years ahead. To this end the new Employment Permits Bill, now being finalised, will contain provisions which will enable me to respond quickly and flexibly to skills shortages as they arise.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued here and taken up at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18458/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The work permits section of my Department has issued 9,349 total work permits, including both new and renewal permits, from 1 January 2005 to 30 April 2005.