Minister Micheál Martin announces new Employment Permit Arrangements

New economic migration and employment permit arrangements for workers outside of the European Economic Area are being announced today (Wednesday 24^th January 2007). These will come into force on February 1^st involving four new types of employment permits, including Green Cards, according to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, TD.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Dublin, Minister Martin, said it is responsive to our labour market conditions and will ensure that Ireland continues to have a skilled workforce to meet its future employment needs.

Four categories of permits are being introduced:

• The Green Card Scheme
• The Work Permit
• Intra Company Transfer Permit
• Spousal and Dependant Permits

Launching the new arrangements the Minister said “There is no doubt that we have great diversity in our labour force with 9% of our workers coming from abroad. These workers have helped develop our economy by filling short term high skill gaps.”

He added “It is important that we now adapt our procedures for the future. What we are introducing is a system that can respond quickly to the needs of the Irish economy”.

The Minister concluded that ensuring the rights of employees in this country is a key part of the new system and will help safeguard the rights of all workers.

ENDS

ETE 1693