Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
31. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the role of healthcare assistants in nursing home settings will be included on the critical skills employment permits list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45082/22]
View answerIreland’s employment permits system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine roles that are either professional occupations in critical short supply or those ineligible for an employment permit. These lists undergo regular, evidence-based review, guided by relevant research, a public/stakeholder consultation and the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group.
Changes I announced in June last year were aimed at addressing the shortages being experienced in nursing home establishments and hospital settings by providing access to the employment permits system. These employers can apply for the General Employment Permit for non-EEA nationals wishing to take up employment as a Nursing Auxiliary or Assistant (Health Care Assistant). The minimum annual remuneration for a Health Care Assistant is €27,000 based on a 39 hour working week (hourly rate €10.85).
From the start of January to date my Department has issued 1,873 employment permits to Health Care Assistants (HCA), of this figure 1,781 were issued to HCAs in a Nursing Home setting. These roles were distributed across 193 Nursing Homes throughout the State.
The General Employment Permit is the primary vehicle used by the State to attract third country nationals into the State for employment in a broad range of occupations. Unlike Critical Skills Employment Permits where eligible occupations require a minimum remuneration of €32,000 for degree qualified employees, General Employment Permits remuneration thresholds are generally €30,000 with some exceptions.
Officials of my Department are actively engaged with the Department of Health in relation to recruitment challenges for the care sector and my Department is a member of the Cross Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group chaired by the Department of Health to consider the recruitment and retention challenges faced by the care sector.
The Department continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and the the timing of the next Review of the Occupational Lists will be kept under consideration.
