Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the consultations which have taken place to date with the social partners with regard to access to the Irish labour market of nationals of Bulgaria and Romania before the date of accession; and the progress made toward achieving a common approach. [33749/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the Employment Permits Act 2006 provides for the following three options as regards access to the Irish labour market for nationals of Bulgaria and Romania on their accession to the EU on 1st January 2007. These are: (i) continue to require work permits with the current requirement for a labour market test to establish that the positions cannot be filled from within the European Economic Area, (ii) be granted work permits on foot of a job offer without a labour market test, or (iii) be allowed to participate without any requirement for a work permit.

The Social Partners have been asked to furnish their views on these options no later than 20th October. Their responses are awaited.