Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of existing work visas for workers from the non-EEA area that were renewed in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; if he will indicate the number that were in the retail and distribution and hospitality trades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9300/13]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of new work visas for workers from the non-EEA area that were approved in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; if he will indicate the number that were in the retail and distribution and hospitality trades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9301/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which applications for work permits continue to be made; the numbers granted and/or refused in each of the past four years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9448/13]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 116 and 128 together.

Since 2004, Irish labour market policy has been to ensure that general labour and skills needs are met from within the workforce of the European Economic Area (EEA). Current Government policy is to issue employment permits for the employment of non-EEA nationals for specific vacancies and in response to employer demand for strategic skills and labour shortages in designated occupations in key economic sectors such as healthcare, information technology and financial services.

The number of permits processed over the last four years and to-date in 2013 are detailed in Appendix 1.

The numbers of employment permit applications submitted and issued have dropped since 2009 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. The majority of positions within the retail, distribution and hospitality trades are currently ineligible for new first time permits. New and renewal permits issued over the last few years in those sectors were in respect of highly skilled positions including chefs, non-EEA nationals already resident in the State changing employers or in respect of spouses of existing permit holders.

Appendix 1

Permits issued to-date in 2013 by Economic Sector

Permits issued in 2012 by Economic Sector

Permits issued in 2011 by Economic Sector

Permits issued in 2010 by Economic Sector

Permits issued in 2009 by Economic Sector