Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to concerns by the Irish Nurses Organisation regarding the green card scheme, which imposes new restrictions on nurses (details supplied); if his attention has further been drawn to ongoing concerns that nurses may be tempted to leave Ireland for countries such as Canada with more nurse friendly immigration policies; if he will review these policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3869/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Work Visa/Work Authorisation Scheme was replaced by new Work Permit and Green Card schemes following the enactment of the Employment Permits Act 2006. A key feature of the new system involves the issuing of permits which are employer-specific, with a view to this Department having the ability to track such positions for the purposes of ensuring employee rights are being met and that the conditions of the permit are being complied with.

In general permit holders are expected to remain with their initial employer for 12-months unless there are exceptional circumstances involved. After 12 months, permit holders may submit an application for a new employer, which will be considered on its merits.