20 March 2012

Driving Job Creation In High-Skilled Sectors Is Vision Of Entrepreneur Visa Bill

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Willie O’Dea has published the Entrepreneur Visa Bill 2012 to allow for immigrant visas to be provided to skilled professionals and graduates to set-up a business in Ireland.

Deputy O’Dea said: "This legislation is targeted at skilled workers and graduates in science, technology, maths and engineering. It will see visas issued for a period of two years in order to establish a business and create jobs in the country.

"There has been much public debate around putting in place a system to attract young people who will be the generators of new jobs, new industries and new opportunities. This legislation would put in place a detailed scheme, which includes safeguards and stipulates a role for the IDA, to create huge opportunities for growth in high-tech sectors.

"The Bill establishes three types of visas an Entrepreneur Visa, a Graduate Entrepreneur. Visa and an Executive Entrepreneur Visa. The qualifying criteria for each are focussed specifically at creating an environment where professionals and graduates from abroad see Ireland as a country where they can put their ideas to the test in the market-place."

(CD/GK)