Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 211: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff assigned to the processing of work permits in his Department each year since 2002; the number of work permits applied for since 2002; the number of applications awaiting processing; the average duration taken from application to issuance or refusal of a permit; his views on assigning additional staff to the processing of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8046/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The table below shows the number of staff in the work permits section from 2002 to 2006. Also set out below is the total number of permit applications received in those years.

The number of applications awaiting processing are 2,952 and the average time taken to process applications in the 12 months to end of February was 20 working days. The Department is committed to meeting its quality customer service target for processing applications and if staff resources are an issue in this regard it will be addressed.