Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued under the graduate employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26472/09]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Graduate Scheme enables non-EEA students who complete their degree in Ireland to obtain a 6-month extension to their student residence permission from the Garda National Immigration Bureau in order that they may have time to seek full-time employment post-graduation. Where such a student obtains a job offer, they may apply to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for either a Work Permit or Green Card, as applicable.

As the student obtains a standard permit type, no distinction has been made up to this point in the Department's IT system to record whether the application is from a non-EEA graduate in the State or a new applicant from outside the State. A change request in relation to the IT system to allow recording of this information has been made and is due for implementation by September 2009.