John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 651: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation regarding the green card system; when the review of this system will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24543/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Employment Permits Bill 2005, published on 29 June, contains provisions which will empower me to introduce a green card type system for skilled labour immigration. Extensive research and consultations have been undertaken by Forfás and the expert group on future skill needs on the development of a skills based migration policy. This work will inform the formulation of an economic migration policy which will help address the skills needs of the economy. My intention is that the legislation will be enacted during the current parliamentary session. I envisage that the green card arrangements for skilled migrants will be introduced in 2006.