Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding work permits for persons from Romania who come here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28385/10]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In October 2006, the Government announced its intention to continue to restrict access to the Irish labour market for nationals of Romania following their accession to the EU on 1 January 2007. Accordingly, Romanian nationals continue to require a permit to take up employment in Ireland. However, those already in the State on a valid employment permit for an uninterrupted period of 12 months or longer at the relevant date of 31 December 2006 would not need an employment permit. Romanian nationals entering the workforce after 1 January 2007 required an employment permit for a 12 month period after which they would have free access to the labour market.

The first phase of the transitional arrangements on free movement for Romanian workers ended on 31 December 2008. The Tánaiste announced, at that time, that the Government had decided to continue to require that nationals of Romania apply for employment permits in order to participate in the Irish labour market, but that preference would be given to them over nationals of non-European Economic Area countries.

The considerable challenges posed as a result of the downturn in the global economic environment, and the direct impact on our labour market, were key factors influencing that decision. The Government formed the view that it would be prudent to focus on maintaining stability in the Irish labour market and avoiding the potential imbalances caused by additional migratory inflows to the country.

Ireland is one of 10 Member States to continue to apply restrictions on Romanian access to its labour market. All Member States that continue to restrict labour market access can end these restrictions at any time during the second phase. In principle, full free movement of workers should apply after the end of the second phase (31 December 2011). Member States can only maintain restrictions thereafter if there is a serious disturbance (or threat thereof) to the labour market. All restrictions for workers from Romania must be lifted by 31 December 2013 at the very latest when full free movement of workers will apply across the 27 EU Member States.

I can advise the Deputy that Ireland's economic migration policies are kept under regular and ongoing review having regard to potential impacts and the stability of the domestic labour market.

Full details of the current employment permit requirement for Romanian nationals can be found on the Department's website at http://www.deti.ie/labour/workpermits/bulgariaromania.htm.