Tánaiste says record number of non EU-nationals to come to work in Ireland during 2000

Figures just published by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, suggest a record number of non-EU nationals - over 14,000 – will come to work in Ireland during the year 2000.

The figures show that up to the end of August, 9,650 work permits were granted – over 3,000 up on the figure for all of 1999.

In addition, the work visa programme for certain skill categories pioneered by the Tánaiste and which commenced in mid-June last – has already seen nearly 500 non-EU workers being granted visas to work in Ireland.

"The response to the visa scheme had been encouraging. We have seen the arrival of over 200 nurses from abroad to take up vacancies in our health service while 153 information technology and computer professionals from abroad have received visas", the Tánaiste said.

Speaking during a two-day visit to Hong King, the Tánaiste said greater focus would now have to be put on attracting more building and construction professionals to ensure the multi-billion pound National Development Plan was not delayed by skills shortages.

"Only a handful of architects, engineers and planners have come here under the visa programme and clearly that figure needs to be dramatically increased if the ambitious targets set in the National Plan are to be met", the Tánaiste added.

She said between work permits and visas, it was estimated that over 14,000 non-EU nationals would be employed in Ireland during 2000.

"During my visit to China and Hong Kong, I have highlighted the need for us to attract more Irish emigrants home and to tap into the considerable pool of skills available in the countries of Asia. Such initiatives are vital if we are to maintain our economic success", she added.