Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is possible for a person who is a US citizen and who has completed a law degree here to qualify for a work permit in respect of a job that does not offer a salary of more than €30,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18537/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, legally resident non-EEA graduates from an Irish third level educational institution may be permitted to remain in Ireland for six months, following receipt of their examination results, for the purpose of seeking employment and applying for a Green Card or work permit.

The Employment Permits Act 2006 allows for the issuing of a work permit for occupations offering a salary of €30,000 or more, where such occupations are not specified on the ineligible list for Work Permits, and subject to a labour market needs test. Only in very exceptional circumstances will my Department consider approving a work permit application for a position offering a salary of less than €30,000. All such applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the partner of an Irish citizen can apply for a work permit after six months in that relationship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18538/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The partner of an Irish citizen may apply for an employment permit subject to verification of their immigration status and such an application would be assessed based on the usual permit requirements.

It is current Government policy to issue new employment permits for highly skilled, highly paid positions, or for non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits, or where there is an officially recognised scarcity of workers of a particular type or qualification.

Full details on the current policy and application forms are available on the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.