Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
66. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that he is taking to increase the supply of labour for the pig sector; if he intends to enable an increase in the rate to which permits are processed; his views on the introduction of a method to fast-track permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38539/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has lead responsibility for employment permits. Arising from ongoing engagement with sector stakeholders, my Department is in regular contact with that Department regarding the labour shortages that exist in certain sub-sectors of agri-food.
Granting employment permits is one method for helping to fill labour shortages, although it is considered to be a last resort. In advance of this, the Department of Social Protection are involved in helping employers recruit from the domestic and European labour market. Sectors also need to have appropriate labour attraction and retention policies in place.
In relation to the rate at which permits are processed my understanding is that processing times for general employment permits are significantly shorter now than earlier in the year, and that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are working to reduce these times even further over the next number of months.
On labour supply more generally, the Food Vision 2030 strategy includes a goal to “Attract and Nurture Diverse and Inclusive Talent”, which includes a number of specific actions aimed at attracting and retaining talent in the agri-food sector. I chair the meetings of the Food Vision 2030 High Level Implementation Committee, which will provide leadership in progressing the missions and actions set out in the Food Vision strategy.
