Immigration Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2017

Tuesday, 16 May 2017

Questions (577)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

577. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if flexibility exists regarding the immigration requirement for sponsorship of a €30,000 minimum salary following a transition from a 1G visa to a general work permit, particularly in circumstances in which this does not match the average graduate salary and particularly in circumstances in which the employment area is an area in which there is a shortage of skills. [23210/17]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The minimum remuneration thresholds for each employment permit type are laid out in regulations made under the Employment Permits Act 2006, as amended.

It is the case that the regulations already provide for a lower salary threshold of €27,000 for General Employment Permits where the application is in respect of a foreign national who has graduated in the last 12 months from a third level institution in the State and who has been offered a graduate position in an employment in a recognized skills shortage area.  A list of these shortage areas are included on the employment permits highly skilled eligible occupations list which can be found on the Department's website at https://www.djei.ie/en/What-We-Do/Jobs-Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Eligibility/Highly-Skilled-Eligible-Occupations-List/.