Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has been briefed by the Private Security Authority in terms of the way that body operates within the context of his Department's work permit licensing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11404/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits and all applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.

It is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:

· highly skilled, highly paid positions or;

· non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;

· positions requiring specialist or scarce skills, expertise or qualifications which cannot be filled otherwise

Furthermore, the position of Security Officer is currently one of the occupational categories ineligible for a new first time permit. However, permits for this position may be considered for non-EEA nationals already in the State in that position who wish to change employer or permits under the Spousal/Dependant Scheme.

The Employment Permits Section has been in contact with the Private Security Authority and understands that a person may not work as a Security Officer without having a Private Security License issued on their behalf. In this regard all applications for an employment permit in respect of a Security Officer must be supported by an in-date license from that Body.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the issue of a Private Security License, in itself, does not authorize a non-EEA national to work in the State. In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA national must have a valid employment permit issued on their behalf or have immigration permission from the Department of Justice and Equality that allows them to work in the State without an employment permit.