John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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222. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to review the application process for the general employment permit for businesses as the current practice is manual application only and needs to be updated to an online version; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15180/16]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The delivery of an online application system for employment permits is listed and reported as one of my Department’s commitments in the Action Plan for Jobs 2016 (Action 73).

My Department went to tender in July 2015 for the provision of an Employment Permits Online Application System. Following a competitive process a contract was signed with the preferred provider in November 2015. The Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) is envisaged to provide the user with a seamless, end to end online application and payment process.

Access to this system will be available through a dedicated web address or via the Department's website and will be compatible with a multitude of mobile devices and browsers. Employment Permits applications, payments and submission of supporting documentation will be made via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) and with Credit/Debit Cards. There will still be an option to apply for a permit on a hard copy application form but it is anticipated that the majority of business users will opt for the ease and speed of the online system.

This project is significantly advanced and entering the user acceptance testing phase later this month. The Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) is on target to meet the scheduled Go-Live date of end of Q3 2016.