Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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243. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the work permits for persons (details supplied); if assistance will be offered taking into account the specialised need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35241/16]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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An application for the first General Employment Permit mentioned by the Deputy was received on 13^thAugust 2016. This application was refused on 30^thAugust 2016. In accordance with the provisions of the Acts, the applicant sought a review of this decision. The application was granted on review and the Employment Permit issued on 15^thNovember 2016.

An application for a second General Employment Permit was received on 19^thOctober 2016 with appropriate fee paid online. Current processing dates for Standard employer permit applications is 3^rdOctober.

I recognise that having a wide range of cuisines in the restaurant sector supports Ireland being an attractive destination for tourists. Thus while chefs generally are on the ineligible list for employment permits an exception is made for Executive Chefs, Head Chefs, Sous Chefs and Specialist Chefs who specialise in cuisine originating from states that are not Member States of the EEA.