Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

64. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if Ireland will be accepting applications for work permits from Filipino nurses next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48550/14]

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

Nursing is an eligible occupation for consideration for an employment permit, and is currently included on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List in Regulations pursuant to the Employment Permits (Amendment) Act 2014. Occupations on this list are those deemed to be highly skilled, in short supply, and necessary for economic or social development in the State. The Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List is subject to regular review to ensure that the occupations included on it reflect the current skills needs of the economy; such a review will take place during 2015, so applicants should be aware that the list is subject to change with changing circumstances. With regard to applicants from the Philippines, applications for employment permits are considered on the basis of the requirement for particular skills and on the basis of the criteria for a particular type of employment permit, rather than the nationality of the prospective employee.