Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if work permits are being issued to persons (details supplied) for work in specialised Thai restaurants; if so, the procedure for application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14857/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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New work permits are only being considered for highly skilled, highly paid positions which it is not possible to fill from within the EEA. In ethnic restaurants where there is significant investment, significant employment of EEA nationals and where a business case can be made for highly skilled and qualified non-EEA staff, my Department will consider such applications on a case by case basis.

However, employers are advised to seek chefs specialising in ethnic cuisines in Ireland and across the wider European labour pool prior to making an application to the work permits section. Each individual application must be supported by documentary evidence clearly demonstrating that a thorough search for EEA based employees has been undertaken through FÁS.