Work Permits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Questions (81)

Colm Burke

Question:

81. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to extending the quota for employment permit applications for the role of dairy farm assistant, in view of the fact that dairy farmers are having difficulty in recruiting employees, and taking into consideration that employment permit applications for this role have been returned since the quota was reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54603/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Ireland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market.

In October 2021, in light of continued labour shortages in the agriculture and agri-food sector, I announced a new quota of 100 General Employment Permits for dairy farm assistants subject to a minimum annual remuneration of €30,000. This quota has now been filled.

The quota was opened with a proviso that a strategic review on labour attraction and retention in the sector be carried out in order to put in place more sustainable solutions for meeting the labour needs of the sector into the future. The review will influence the decision on the eligibility of the role for employment permits in the future.