Vol. 526 No. 4
110 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who have so far availed of the fast-track immigrant visa scheme; if her attention has been drawn to criticism of the scheme made by IBEC and particularly its view that there was a need to promote the scheme more effectively at home and abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26573/00]
The latest available figures for the new scheme provide details of the number of working visas and work authorisations issued for the first five months of operation of the scheme. A total of 611 working visas and 221 work authorisations issued for this period up until the end of October 2000.
I noted with interest comments made recently by IBEC in relation to the new fast-track scheme. I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the State has been advertising the existence of the scheme through the FÁS jobs fairs and that it was given very considerable publicity at its inception. It is my Department's experience that employment agencies are well aware of the existence of the new arrangements and details are available on my Department's website and the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
I trust that, as a representative organisation, IBEC has informed its own members of the details of the scheme.
IBEC is a member of the immigration policy advisory committee established by the Government to provide an input into evolving immigration policy from a labour market perspective. I am confident that IBEC will use that forum to make a very constructive input in this area.
Question No. 111 taken with Question No. 78.
