162 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued to non-EU nationals to date in 2006; the number issued in each year from 2002 to 2005; the breakdown of permits issued per country of origin overall from 2002 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37739/06]

The data supplied by the Work Permits Section of my Department shows that the number of permits being issued has reduced, in particular due to EU Enlargement in May 2004. This is in line with the obligation contained in the Accession Treaty to give preference to nationals from the EEA when filling job vacancies, including both new and renewal permits. The total number of work permits issued to non-EU Nationals to date, including both new and renewal permits, in 2006 is 22,280.

The following are the numbers issued from 2002 to 2005:

The chart shows permits issued per country of origin from 2002 to date in 2006: