Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 492: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) needs to apply for a work permit. [31656/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Non-EEA nationals who wish to pursue a business activity in the State, in a capacity other than as an employed person for whom an employer would have to obtain a work permit, must first obtain business permission. There is no separate permit scheme for persons wishing to engage in work of a self employment nature.

The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for business permission: the proposed business must result in the transfer to the State of capital in the minimum sum of €300,000; the proposed business must create employment for at least two EEA nationals; the proposed business must add to the commercial activity and competitiveness of the State; the proposed business must be a viable trading concern and provide the applicant with sufficient income to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without resorting to social assistance or paid employment for which a work permit would be required; the applicant must be of good character and in possession of a valid passport. The current processing time for applications of this type is approximately six to eight months.