Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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57. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average wait time a work permit applicant must endure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21400/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department has made significant progress in recent years in improving the employment permits processing system to address increasing demand. The average current wait time in respect of a new employment permit is between 1-2 weeks. From time to time certain applications can require additional checks and this can lead to an unavoidable delay.

This week, Minister Burke and I welcomed the launch of a new employment permits processing system, Employment Permits Online. This new cloud-based system replaces older technologies and will transform the way in which employment permits are submitted, processed and issued.

By introducing a portal space with individual online accounts for both employers and employees, it will be easier for users to get up-to-date information on their applications. It will also provide users with more ownership over their accounts.

The new employment permit system will make the application process easier, more secure, more intuitive and in so doing will reduce inaccuracies in the submission of applications, resulting in a more streamlined processing experience.

My Department has published relevant information (including video guides, an FAQ and a recorded webinar) highlighting some new features and additional functionality. This material is available at enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/latest-updates/new-eps/.

Processing times are updated weekly on the Department's website at enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/current-application-processing-dates/.