Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on liberal work permit regulations for Bulgarian nationals wishing to work here since 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2642/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decided on 24th October, 2006 to continue to require that nationals of Bulgaria and Romania apply for work permits in order to participate in the Irish labour market from 1st January, 2007, the date of accession of these countries to the European Union. But I should emphasise that preference is being given to nationals of Bulgaria and Romania over third-country nationals as regards the grant of employment permits, consistent with our European Community Preference obligations.

I should add that the Employment Permits Act 2006, provides, in accordance with the provisions of the these countries' Treaties of Accession to the EU, that Bulgarian or Romanian nationals who had been already in the State on a valid employment permit for an uninterrupted period of twelve months prior to 1st January, 2007, no longer require a permit in order to work in the State.