Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
131. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the 100 work permits recently issued for farming only related to dairy farming and did not include the pig and poultry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55583/21]
View answerThe results of the most recent review of the Occupations Lists were announced on 28 October 2021.
The Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration considered that changes to the labour market as the economy continues to reopen over the next few months may help alleviate current shortages with an expected increase in available labour for the Pig and Poultry sector.
An allocation of 100 General Employment Permits for the role of Dairy Farm Assistant at the minimum annual remuneration threshold of €30,000 was provided to help alleviate the pressure that this sector is faced with.
This quota, as with all the agricultural quotas announced, will be followed by a strategic review of labour attraction and retention of the sector and should evidence based cases be made to my Department for further changes, they will be examined and acted upon appropriately.
The next Occupational Lists Review will open in the coming months and submissions from the various sectors, including the Agri-food and agriculture sectors, will be invited through a public consultation.
