Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 50: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason for the delay in making decisions on employment permit applications by Romanian and Bulgarian nationals; and when this may be resolved. [28708/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The average processing time for applications for an employment permit is circa 11 working days. This applies to all applicants regardless of nationality. Applications from Bulgarian and Romanian nationals are subject to distinct and more favourable consideration as compared to applications from nationals of countries outside of the EEA arising from the provisions of their respective Treaties of Accession to the European Union. As a result of this status, careful consideration of such nationals' applications must be given to ensure that the criteria under the employment permits schemes are accurately applied. I am informed that exceptional delays have arisen in this area over the last few months due to competing priorities and the need to address a range of complex legal issues which applicants have raised. However, I understand that decisions will issue over the course of the next fortnight in respect of any applications that have been delayed.