My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits and all applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.
I wish to advise the Deputy that this Work Permit application was refused on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:
highly skilled, highly paid positions or;
non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;
positions requiring specialist or scarce skills, expertise or qualifications which cannot be filled elsewise.
Furthermore, new Work Permit applications can only be considered where it is established that a minimum salary of €30,000 per annum is on offer, based on a 39 hour week. In addition, it appeared from the information supplied that the company is trading under a Business Name that is not currently registered with the Companies Registration Office.
Having examined the appeal, the Appeals Officer upheld the original refusal decision in this case on the 5 January 2012.