Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
147. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration is being given to adding international heavy goods vehicle drivers to the skills shortage list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33104/21]
View answerThe State's employment permit system is designed to supplement Ireland's skills and labour supply over the short to medium term by allowing enterprises to recruit nationals from outside the EEA, where such skills or expertise cannot be sourced from within the EEA at that time. The system is, by design, vacancy led and managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupation lists. These lists are subject to twice yearly evidence-based review, taking account of labour market research, a public consultation and contextual issues such as Brexit and Covid 19.
With effect from 2017, the occupation of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver has been eligible for a General Employment Permit, subject to a quota initially of 120 employment permits. In January 2020, this quota was increased to 320 in anticipation of the impact of Brexit on the sector and evidence of EEA-wide labour shortages. To date,165 employment permits have issued to HGV drivers, leaving 155 permits remaining and available.
My Department, working with the Department of Transport will keep this matter under review.
