Work Permits Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016

Friday, 16 September 2016

Questions (1884)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1884. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25622/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

In accordance with our EU obligations, employment permits policy is calibrated to encourage the meeting of general labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the EU and other European Economic Area (EEA) countries. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the EEA, an Employment Permit may be sought to hire a non-EEA national.

To facilitate this policy, my Department maintains a Highly Skilled Eligible Occupation List (HSEOL) and an Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL), both of which are compiled based on advice received from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and in consultation with Solas, relevant Government Departments, Agencies, trade unions and industry. These lists are reviewed on a bi-annual basis and the public consultation phase has recently commenced for the latest review.

The occupation of Massage Therapist falls within the Ineligible Categories of Employment. However, Employment Permits granted before the role was included on the ICEL may be renewed subject to all criteria being met. New permits cannot be granted for ineligible employments unless the application is for a Reactivation Employment Permit or a Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit.

I note that four employees in the business referred to by the Deputy hold current Employment Permits in respect of employment as massage therapists.

The Deputy has also indicated that permits may be sought for two employees who are in need of permits. As indicated above, the occupation of massage therapist is an ineligible category of employment. Under the Employment Permits Acts as amended it is an offence for a foreign national requiring an Employment Permit to enter employment in the State prior to the granting of an Employment Permit.

Question No. 1885 answered with Question No. 1863.