Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a response will issue to correspondence (details supplied). [24422/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There are two main schemes which allow for an Australian citizen to take up employment in this State. These are the Work Authorisation and Work Permit schemes. Work Authorisation is a scheme for highly skilled personnel seeking employment in Ireland. Authorisations are issued in respect of persons in specific categories who do not require a visa to enter Ireland (Australian citizens are not visa required to enter Ireland). Generally speaking, this scheme covers highly specialised areas of the economy requiring a high level of skill and educational achievement such as the high tech, medical and engineering sectors. The second option open to Australian citizens, if they do not qualify for a work authorisation is for a prospective employer in Ireland to apply for a Work Permit on their behalf. Further information in relation to both of these schemes can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment's website, www.entemp.ie.