Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can inform that officials in my Department are in ongoing communication with the organisation referred to regarding the issues of concern raised and that the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) applications from organisation continue to be processed.

I am informed that further documentation was requested on a number of applications, as the information supplied did not meet the requirements set out under the scheme; I understand that these applications have now been resubmitted.

It is expected that some decisions will be made shortly and that the balance of applications will be decided on in the coming weeks.

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 frontline medical personnel, the AWS Unit prioritises these applications.

There has been an unprecedented demand for AWS permissions this year, with a significant increase in the number of applications 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: