Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2021
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if and when a renewal work permit will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34224/21]
View answer183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if and when a renewal work permit will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34225/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system which maximises the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is intended to act as a conduit for key skills which are required to develop enterprise in the State for the benefit of our economy, while simultaneously protecting the balance of the labour market. The system is, by design, vacancy led and driven by the changing needs of the labour market, expanding and contracting in tandem with its inherent fluctuations.
The State’s general policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the State and other EEA states. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the State and EEA, an employment permit may be sought by an employer to hire a non-EEA national.
In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. All applications for employment permits are processed in line with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations which lay down in legislation the criteria in relation to the application, grant and refusal of an employment permit.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that, a number of issues were identified with regard to the employment permit renewal applications for both these named individuals. My officials are engaging directly with the company to outline the issues in question and assist them in clarifying the options available to them under the employment permit system.
