Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the waiting times for processing each category of work permit and green card; the number awaiting a decision under each category; the number of staff dealing with each type of application; his plans to review the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21340/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Employment Permits Section has indicated that it is currently processing applications for Green Cards and Work Permits within 15 working days and for Spousal or Dependant permits within 20 working days.

It is not possible to provide a breakdown by permit type of applications on hand. However, the overall number of employment permit applications awaiting processing at this time is approximately 2,700. The number of staff deployed to deal with each category of employment permit is adjusted as the workload requires. The Section currently has a total of 51 staff. This figure includes both permanent and temporary staff from Assistant Principal Officer to Clerical Officer grades.

The Department recently allocated additional staff resources to the area and is currently reviewing the staff allocation of the Employment Permits Section.