Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
175. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new applications for permits will be issued for dairy farm workers outside of the EU (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50932/22]
View answerFollowing the review of Occupational Lists, announced in October 2021, additional permits were made available - under quota - for certain roles in the agricultural sector. This included the establishment of a quota of 100 General Employment permits for the role of Dairy Farm Assistant. The quotas issued were subject to a review of labour attraction and retention in the agricultural sector.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that all of the 100 General Employment Permits established under this quota for Dairy Farm Assistants have now been granted. Therefore, any new applications received in respect of this role will be returned. A notification to this effect was placed on my Department’s website on 30th September 2022.
My Department continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and the timing of the next Review of the Occupational Lists will be kept under consideration.
