Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
75. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the work permit exemption is still in place for international contracted circus artists working for Irish traditional circuses greater than 90 days in the State in cases in which they fall outside the criteria of the atypical working scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63192/21]
View answerUnder the Employment Permits Acts, in order to work in the State, all non-EEA nationals require a valid employment permit or relevant immigration permission from the Minister for Justice which allows them to reside and work in the State without the requirement for an employment permit.
The employment permits legislation sets out various criteria that must be met when considering an application for each of the permit types available, including establishing that there is evidence of a lack of suitable labour within the domestic labour market, a contract of employment exists between the employer and the employee, minimum annual remuneration and duration of proposed employment. Circus performers and artists are not currently included on the Ineligible Occupations List and may be considered as eligible to apply for a General Employment Permit, subject to all the relevant criteria and requirements necessary.
My colleague, the Minister for Justice has responsibility for the administration of the Immigration Act 2004. Arrangements for circus performers providing a service to an Irish based circus without an employee relationship have been in place since 2007 and will continue to operate in 2022. Immigration permission to enter the state under these arrangements is a matter for the immigration authorities.
