Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1228. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the removal of home care workers from the ineligible categories of employment listing will be considered in view of the staffing shortfall and expected growth in the industry as a result of demographic changes and to improve employment conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33524/18]
View answerIn recognising the changing labour market situation, I requested that a review of economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system be undertaken, to ensure that our policies are fully supportive of Ireland’s emerging labour market needs, be they skills or labour shortages in certain sectors. A full report of the review will be presented shortly, to provide recommendations on a framework for the future operation of the employment permits regime. Following on from that report, it is expected that a review of the lists of occupations for employment permits will be conducted in the second half of this year.
Care workers and home carers are currently included on the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). In order to consider removing an occupation from the ICEL, there would need to be a clear demonstration that recruitment difficulties are solely due to shortages across the EEA and not to other factors such as salary and/or employment conditions. Organisations in the sector would need to provide the necessary data to substantiate their claims. A detailed evidence-based case for removal of care workers from the ineligible list, based on this detailed data would then need to be put forward by the Department of Health, as the lead Department for the sector, to my Department for review and consideration.
I am aware that our colleague, Minister of State Daly, with special responsibility for Older People, has had various meetings with the nursing home sector and this matter has been discussed. I understand Minister Daly is willing to work with the industry on this important issue to ensure continuity of service in the best interests of residents. Engagement between my officials, officials of the Department of Health, and representatives of the sector is also ongoing.
