Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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263. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asylum seekers who have been successful in securing work since the introduction of work permits for those in the protection process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48054/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 which I signed into effect from 30 July 2018 includes access to the labour market for qualified international protection applicants.  The Regulations provide access to both employment and self-employment in all sectors and categories of employment with the exception of the Civil and Public Service, An Garda Síochána and Defence Forces. 

I am advised by the Labour Market Access Unit of my Department that since the introduction of the Regulations, 2,466 international protection applicants have applied for a permission to access the labour market of which 1,689 were granted a permission and 714 were ineligible.  The number of applicants who have applied for and been granted a permission (1,689) represents just over 40% of those estimated to be eligible for a permission under the Regulations.

When an international protection applicant is employed or self-employed the employer, or in the case of self-employment the applicant, is obliged to inform me within 21 days.  This is done by way of a standard form made available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). 

Based on the returned declaration forms received to date I am advised that a total of 487 applicants have commenced employment or self-employment.  As the employer or applicant has 21 days from the time they take up employment or self-employment to return the declaration form, there is likely to be a time lag between the actual date of commencement of employment and INIS being notified of same and this will not be reflected in the figures quoted.