Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 76: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timeframe in which employees must commence employment under a work permit when granted; if the employee has to avail of the work permit immediately; when the work permit ceases to be valid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9324/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Employment Permits Act 2006 put in place a statutory framework for Ireland's migration policy. This policy is vacancy-driven rather than based on quotas or points and the core of the policy is the offer of a job. Under the Act a permit must be applied for within 60 days of a job being offered or advertised.

In the event that an employment permit is issued taking into account the current policy at the time, then the non-EEA national is generally expected to take up employment from the start date of the permit or as soon as a visa is granted in the case of visa required non-EEA nationals.

If there are any changes to the conditions of the permit or if the employee does not take up the job being offered at that time, then the original and the certified copy of the permit must be returned to my Department.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 77: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to the application for a work permit in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9325/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Employment Permits Section informs me that an application in respect of the above named was received in the Section on the 8/2/2008. This was in respect of a job offer at that time for the position of a carer and FÁS approved the application for a work permit on 16/1/2008. A permit was issued on foot of this application on 25/2/2008 and was valid for the period 3/3/2008 to 2/3/2010. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform subsequently issued an entry visa enabling this person to take up employment in the State. I understand that the employee never took up employment on foot of this permit or this visa.

The Employment Permits Act 2006 put in place a statutory framework for Ireland's migration policy. This policy is vacancy-driven rather than based on quotas or points and the core of the policy is the offer of a job. Under the Act a permit must be applied for within 60 days of a job being offered or advertised.

In the event that an employment permit is issued taking into account the current policy at the time, then the non-EEA national is generally expected to take up employment from the start date of the permit or as soon as a visa is granted in the case of visa required non-EEA nationals. However, if the employer or the proposed employee wishes to submit a new application, following all the relevant procedures, it will be considered on its merits.