Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the information that has been collected by his Department since the introduction of the green card scheme under the Employment Permits Act, 2006 regarding the qualifications, salaries and length of stay of those availing of the scheme; the way this compares with work permit holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25339/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Green Card scheme was introduced under the Employment Permits Act 2006 to address skills shortages in the economy in specified and identified occupation categories. Therefore, Green Card holders would normally be expected to hold a third level qualification and earn a salary in excess of €30,000.

Between February and end-September 2007, a total of 2,260 Green Cards were issued, 361 in respect of positions with salary levels over €60,000 and 1,899 in respect of positions with salary levels between €30,000 and €60,000. Green Cards can only be issued for an initial period of two years' duration.

The Work Permit scheme, on the other hand, is designed to address labour shortages and, accordingly, it is not normally required that work permits holders would be expected to have a third level qualification. All work permit holders, however, are required to possess skills and experience appropriate to their position. The Deputy should note that only in exceptional circumstances are new work permits issued for positions where the annual salary is less than €30,000. In contrast to the Green Card system, a Labour Market needs test is applied for each case. Between February and end-September 2007, 3,882 new Work Permits were issued. New Work Permits are issued for 2 years.