Coughlan announces tightening of work permit rules

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise has announced stricter rules for work permit applications in response to growing unemployment in Ireland.

A key feature of the changes will be a tougher labour-market needs test for all future applicants.

Mary Coughlan says the move is an effort to give people already in the Irish labour market a greater chance to fill any job vacancies.

She says immigrants have contributed significantly to the Irish economy, but migration policies have to be adapted to reflect the realities of the labour market.