Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 35: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the requirements an employer has to meet to apply for work permits in respect of non-EU citizens; the criteria that needs to be met when applying to renew these work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10946/10]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 allow for the issuing of a Work Permit for those occupations with a salary of €30,000 or more and, in exceptional cases, in the salary range below €30,000. A vacancy, in respect of which an application for a work permit is being made, must be advertised with the FÁS/EURES employment network for at least 8 weeks and additionally in local and national newspapers for six days. There is a fee for new applications of €500 where the application for the work permit is for six months or less and €1,000 for a permit up to 24 months. The fee for renewal applications is €750 for up to six months, €1,500 up to 24 months and €2,250 up to 36 months. An economic needs test is not necessary in respect of Renewal applications. These are typically renewed if employment conditions have not substantially changed from the previous permit application. Full details of the applications procedures are contained on the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.