Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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166. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which applications for work permits continue to be dealt with expeditiously in all cases within a reasonable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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167. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he continues to be in a position to facilitate employers who have to endure long waiting times in respect of applications for work permits in vital areas of employment; if it might be possible to accelerate the manner in which such applications are dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications for work permits currently awaiting decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22325/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which applications for work permits can be expedited where the information has been provided previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 167, 168 and 169 together.

I will reply to all four questions submitted by the Deputy together.

There are currently 1,629 employment permit applications in the processing queue.

As of the 8^thMay 2023 the processing dates in respect of Employment Permit applications are as follows:

- Standard new applications 12 business days.

- Standard Renewal applications 14 business days.

- Standard Critical Skills applications 12 business days.

- Trusted Partner new applications 11 business days.

- Trusted Partner Renewal applications 10 business days.

- Trusted Partner Critical Skills applications 10 business days.

Waiting time information is also available on the Employment Permits website and is updated on a weekly basis.

Following the implementation of an internal plan of action which increased resources and implemented efficiency measures the Employment Permits Unit has reduced the number of applications awaiting processing from about 11,000 in January 2022 to 1,903 today (this figure includes those awaiting information and those that are currently ready to issue). The Department plans to maintain processing times for all applications at approximately this level, or better, on the assumption that demand remains at current levels.

Due to the significant improvement in the processing times in respect of Employment Permits, an application to have an application expedited will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis.