Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason chefs in ethnic restaurants are ineligible for a work permit (details supplied). [16499/06]

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 any application to the Work Permits Section.

Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a work permit holder in the sixth year of employment is not entitled to a permanent work permit if the permit holder has worked for more than one employer in that period. [16501/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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This case, on examination, proved to be complex and involves more that one Department. It also appears from the information available to the Department that the person about whom the Deputy asks is currently employed by an employer who does not hold a work permit; a breach of the Employment Permits Act, 2003.

In the time available, it is not possible for my Department to complete its enquiries into this case. This will be completed as a mater of urgency and I shall write to the Deputy as soon as possible setting out the position.