Reform work permit system, IBEC says

IBEC has called for a streamlining of the work visa system after the release of a new survey out this morning which shows that Irish companies had almost 78,000 vacancies last year.

6.5% of the country's labour market requirements are not being met, according to the report by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.

IBEC's Director of Social Policy, Brendan Butler, said that the system needs to be overhauled in order to speed it up and suggested agencies such as FAS be allowed to issue work permits.

He pointed out that a total of 1,000 visas were given out in 2000, only a fraction of those needed.

Traditional ways of finding labour in this country are rapidly declining, he said, and other sources such as older people and the disabled must be considered.