My Department monitors the employment situation in the agri-food sector and engages with stakeholders on issues arising on an ongoing basis. As you may be aware, the CSO reports that the sector accounts for 7.1% of total employment, or approximately 164,000 jobs. Being primarily based in rural and coastal areas, these jobs are crucial to the economy.
I and my officials have engaged with representatives of the sector on labour supply issues in meat processing, including pig meat, and encouraged them to avail of the range of supports available from the Department of Social Protection to help employers source labour. In the first instance, employers should seek to recruit from within the domestic and European Economic Area (EEA) labour markets. The sector itself must also continue to intensify its efforts to make these roles more attractive and I acknowledge their efforts in this regard.
However, as in the past, it may also be necessary to make use of work permits for applicants from labour markets outside the EEA. My Department liaises on this issue with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who have responsibility in this regard.
