Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 20: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to streamline the issuing of work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40938/09]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of the Employment Permits Act 2006 entailed a radical overhaul of the administrative arrangements and work practices of the Employment Permits Section. Employment permits are now issued on the basis of different permit types with dedicated staff trained in decision making on specific types. This system has streamlined the work of the section allowing faster times for issuing and maximising use of resources. During 2008, fully completed applications for all employment permit types were processed within our business target of 15 working days.

In the priority high skills area of Green Cards and Intra Company Transfers, applications are currently being processed within 15 working days. In relation to Work Permits and Spousal applications, measures have been put in place to address the current 12 week wait-time. I can report that significant progress has been made in reducing the backlog in these areas.

The Employment Permits Section is also currently developing a back office IT system to reduce the administrative burden on all applicants for Employment Permits and to further streamline the process. As a result, a number of documents currently required with each application (as set down in the Employment Permits Act 2006) will be directly verified with the appropriate authority avoiding the need for paper submission.

In addition, An Tánaiste, in conjunction with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, announced on 28th August 2009 that it will not be necessary for those who have been working lawfully and who have held an employment permit for 5 consecutive years to have an employment permit to remain in employment. On presentation of the relevant documentation to the Immigration Authorities they will now be facilitated with a Stamp 4. This has streamlined the process for all concerned.