Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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173. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of work permits granted to chefs in each of the years 2011 to 2017. [29739/18]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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174. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of work permits refused to chefs; and the nationalities of same in each of the years 2011 to 2017. [29740/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of employment permits granted to chefs in each of the years 2011 to 2017, as well as the number of employment permits refused to chefs in each of the years 2011 to 2017, and their nationalities, is in the tables.

It should be noted that applications are refused for a number of reasons including a sizeable number for failing to provide the necessary supporting documentation. A significant number of refusals also arise as a result of employers failing to undertake the labour market needs test (LMNT) in line with legislative requirements. i.e. advertise the job vacancy in Ireland and EU in the first instance. For example, in 2016 some 67% of refusals related to a failure to adhere to the LMNT requirement. Many of these applications would have been subsequently re-submitted and awarded.

A Frequently Asked Questions document, and a Checklist document for Chefs, which my officials have developed in order to assist employers and employees with the application process, is available on my Department’s website at www.dbei.gov.ie. Further checklist documents to assist with permit applications will be rolled out by my officials in the coming weeks.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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175. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of work permits granted to hospitality workers in each of the years 2011 to 2017. [29741/18]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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176. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of work permits refused to hospitality workers in each of the years 2011 to 2017; and the nationalities of same. [29742/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of employment permits granted to hospitality workers (which includes chefs), in each of the years 2011 to 2017, as well as the number of employment permits refused to hospitality workers in each of the years 2011 to 2017, and their nationalities, is in the tables.

It should be noted that applications are refused for a number of reasons including a sizeable number for failing to provide the necessary supporting documentation. A significant number of refusals also arise as a result of employers failing to undertake the labour market needs test (LMNT) in line with legislative requirements. i.e. advertise the job vacancy in Ireland and EU in the first instance. For example, in 2016 some 67% of refusals related to a failure to adhere to the LMNT requirement. Many of these applications would have been subsequently re-submitted and awarded.

A Frequently Asked Questions document, and a Checklist document for Chefs, which my officials have developed in order to assist employers and employees with the application process, is available on my Department’s website at www.dbei.gov.ie. Further checklist documents to assist with permit applications will be rolled out by my officials in the coming weeks.