Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons granted green cards under the scheme for recruiting highly skilled workers from outside the EU; the reasons for the relatively low take of the green card system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8330/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In its first 11 months of operation (February 2007 to end December 2007), a total of 2,974 permits issued under the Green Card Scheme. This figure represents close to one third of total new employment permits issued by the Department in 2007 and represents an increase over the 2,713 permits issued in 2006 under the Work Visa/Work Authorisation Scheme, which the Green Card Scheme replaced.

The Green Card Scheme was established to fill skills shortages, identified in consultation with the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, in strategically important areas of the economy. A Green Card, as distinct from a Work Permit, therefore, is only available for highly qualified applicants in certain skilled occupations. The majority of such posts must offer an annual salary of at least €60,000. For a small number of occupations, posts with salaries between €30,000 and €60,000 qualify.