Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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117. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by those utilising the atypical visa process, including delays in processing which is causing particular difficulties for those working in the nursing home sector; the steps she will take to address the obstacles within the atypical visa department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28618/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill short term labour gaps for the benefit of our economy. In recognition of the importance of front-line medical personnel, the AWS Unit prioritises these applications.

There has been an unprecedented demand for Atypical Working Scheme permissions in the first three months of this year with a significant increase in the numbers for healthcare workers. Additional resources have been added to manage the scheme recently.

My Department is working to reduce processing times through the modernisation of our systems and the introduction of efficiencies, as well as additional streamlining measures which should also reduce processing times for AWS applications.

The AWS unit continues to liaise with all relevant stakeholders in this area and further information on the Atypical Working Scheme, including the criteria for documents, is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/