Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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391. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 20 November 2019, the number of applications received, granted and refused, respectively, for labour market access permission; the number in employment; the number residing in direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11410/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, transposing the EU (Recast) Reception Conditions Directive, came into effect from 30 June 2018. The Regulations included access to the labour market for eligible international protection applicants. The Regulations provide access to both employment and to self-employment.  

As of 10 June 2020, a total of 6,498 applications for access to the labour market were received by my Department. 1,717 applications were refused as they did not meet the criteria set out in the Regulations, while 4,614 applications for a labour market access permission have been granted.

Based on the returned declaration forms received to date, a total of 2,187 applicants have indicated they have commenced employment or self-employment, of whom 1,525 were living in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).  

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 my Department being notified of same.