Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the promised new legislation in regard to export controls for military goods will be introduced; the main features of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18018/05]

Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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The proposed legislation, which was recommended by the 2004 Forfás review, will provide for the introduction of new controls on arms brokering and on the provision of certain types of technical assistance. Existing legislation will be also updated to provide, inter alia, for increased penalties for non-compliance with export control legislation, for the statutory right for the inspection and audit, by officials from my Department, of companies that export military goods and for controls on the transfer of relevant software and technology by electronic means. Work on drafting the new legislation has commenced and it is planned to publish the Bill this year.

The introduction of this new legislation will ensure that Ireland meets its EU and international obligations in full and equally ensures that its procedures are not overly restrictive as to make Ireland an unattractive location by international standards for mobile activity in legitimate industries.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new employment permits Bill will be published; and if he will provide a detailed outline of its contents. [18097/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The proposed employment permits Bill, which will govern the issue of employment permits for nationals from outside the European Economic Area, is in the final stages of drafting. The intention is to have the Bill published before the summer recess. The Bill will put the existing administrative arrangements on a sound legislative footing. It will lay down the conditions relating to the application and granting of employment permits, the grounds for refusal and provide for an appeals mechanism. It will also provide for penalties for breaches of the legislation and for the appointment of authorised officers to enforce the legislation.

The Bill will also empower me to issue employment permits of extended or indefinite duration, analogous to a green card-type system, where the workers in question are critical to meeting Ireland's skill and employment needs. The Bill will also provide additional protections for migrant workers.