Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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230. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the plans in place in order to allow stamp 3 skilled workers' spouses and partners to access employment here whilst living here with their partners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38471/18]

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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235. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to change the rules with regard to allowing the spouses, partners and dependants of highly skilled non-EEA professionals residing here on visas in view of near full employment and as skill shortages begin to develop in the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38455/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 235 together.

Immediate family members, that is dependants, partners and spouses of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders already have very broad access to the Irish labour market. The Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit is uniquely available to the families of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, as part of the Government's policy to promote Ireland's attractiveness as a location for highly skilled workers. The application process is free of charge.

The following conditions ensure dependants, civil partners, and spouses eligible under this scheme will have greater ease of access to employment in the State:

- They can apply for a permit in respect of all occupations, including certain carers in the home, and excluding all other occupations in a domestic setting.

- They can apply for a permit with a remuneration of less than €30,000 p.a. (but not less than the National Minimum Wage).

- Their prospective employer is not required to undertake a Labour Market Needs Test.

The situation in relation to the immigration Stamp for immediate family members of non-EEA nationals is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. My officials are in consultation with officials in the Department of Justice and Equality on options to offer greater clarity to prospective employers on the position in relation to the dependants, partners and spouses of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders.