Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
176. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of the 1,000 horticulture operatives work permits announced in October 2021 that have been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29421/22]
View answerThe employment permits system is managed through the operation of the critical skills and ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit and these lists are subject to twice-yearly evidenced based review.
In October 2021 following the completion of the review of the occupational lists I responded to requests from sector representatives with the establishment of a quota of 1,000 General Employment Permits for horticulture workers.
Since the establishment of the quota a total of 734 permits have been granted as of 7 June 2022. A further 62 applications in respect of horticultural workers have been received by the Department and are currently at various stages of processing.
