Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of work permits issued to non-EU nationals during the years 2011 and 2012; if he will provide a breakdown by employment sector for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The number of permits processed over the last two years broken down by economic sector are detailed in Appendix 1.

The numbers of employment permit applications submitted and issued have markedly dropped since 2008 in line with economic conditions and the narrowing of eligible job categories and sectors where it was considered that a sufficient supply of labour exists and this drop is reflected in the statistical returns for 2012 in comparison with those for the previous year. It is anticipated that the rate of decline in applications will reduce following a number of changes currently being made to the Employment Permits system with a particular view to processing more applications in respect of highly skilled employees, especially in the ICT sector. Current indications are that there is a significant shortage of skilled employees in that sector.

Indeed, it should be noted that 42% of new employment permits issued in 2012 were in respect of the ICT sector. Furthermore, over a third of all new employment permits issued were in respect of green card employment permits indicating the focus on highly skilled occupations.

Permits issued in 2012 by Economic Sector

Permits issued in 2011 by Economic Sector