Written answers

Tuesday, 8 October 2019

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Work Permits Applications

Photo of Eamon ScanlonEamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

173. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of a work permit application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40844/19]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that, on 30th April 2019, the named Employer applied for two separate General Employment Permits for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers for the two named non-EEA nationals (details supplied).

From 3 April 2017, and following consultation with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA), provision was made in the Employment Permit Regulations for employment permits to be granted, subject to a quota, to HGV drivers who meet the criteria and who are in possession of a valid CE or C1E driving licence (subject to other qualifying criteria).

As part of the application process the RSA have agreed to validate qualifying non-EEA driving licences which are forwarded to them by the Employment Permits Section in advance of a permit issuing. Accordingly, my Department advises (through the Employment Permits section of the Department's website - www.dbei.gov.ie) that copies of both the front and back of the appropriate licence are required with any application.

For the first named person (details supplied), my officials twice contacted the relevant parties in writing (on 6th August and 15th August 2019) requesting a clearer copy of the non-EEA national's driving licence. A further copy was provided on 15th August 2019. However, on 19th September 2019, my officials informed the applicant's agent that the RSA would not accept the copy of the driving licence that was provided as it was still their opinion that the back of the licence was not clear enough.

A clear copy of the driving licence has not been received as yet and my officials are following up again.

For the second named person (details supplied), my officials forwarded this individual's driving licence to the RSA for verification on 4th October 2019, this process may take a few weeks. Once a response is received from the RSA, my officials will be in a position to make a decision on the application and the relevant parties will be notified.

Photo of Eamon ScanlonEamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

174. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of a work permit application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40845/19]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that on 18 July 2019, the named employer applied for a Critical Skills Employment Permit in respect of the non-EEA national (details supplied). On 3rd October 2019, this application was refused.

The occupation in question, a CNC Lathe Programmer, is ineligible for a Critical Skills permit at the offered remuneration level of €30,000, as the occupation in question is not on the Critical Skills list. However, this occupation would be eligible for a General Employment Permit.

My officials will contact the employer to explain the position as it would appear that the employer applied for the wrong permit type.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.