Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1664. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding an application for a work permit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1632/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Employment Permits Section of my Department received an application for a General Employment Permit on 5th January 2017 for the foreign national as detailed in the attachment. Applications are assessed strictly by date of receipt of fee and current processing date for applications relating to non-trusted partner employers is 7th November 2016.

The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation examines a number of criteria when assessing an employment permit application including, inter alia, the role, remuneration and immigration status of foreign national plus requirement to complete a labour market needs test, if applicable. These elements must all be in order for an employment permit to be granted.

Employment permits operate in parallel with the State's immigration process. I note from the information provided that the person concerned will be applying for a visa through our Irish consulate outside the State. The immigration status of the foreign national does have a bearing on eligibility for an employment permit. On the date of application for an employment permit the applicant should not have a status that precludes them from taking up employment in the State. Neither should the individual be working illegally in the State.