Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
466. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider having mechanics, specifically agricultural mechanics, construction plant fitters and heavy vehicle mechanics added to his Department's critical skills list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28012/23]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system, maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term.
The Occupational Lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are subject to evidence-based review incorporating consideration of available research, and a public consultation which provides stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages. Submissions to the review are considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy with membership drawn from key Government Departments including the Department of Transport and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who, as lead policy departments for the sectors specifically related to these occupations, may provide observations on the occupation under review.
An occupation may be considered for inclusion in, or removal from, the Occupations Lists where evidence supports that no suitable Irish/EEA nationals are available to undertake the work; development opportunities are not undermined; genuine skills shortages exist; and recruitment or retention issues are affected by factors other than salary and/or employment conditions.
The occupation of mechanic - agricultural or heavy vehicle - is currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, an employment permit cannot be granted at present for this occupation. The Department has engaged with the Department of Transport on the sector and expects to receive a submission on mechanics when the review of the occupations lists commences in coming weeks.
The occupation of Construction Plant Fitter, while not on the Critical Skills Occupations List, is eligible for a General Employment Permit subject to a labour market needs test.
The next review of the lists is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to register their interest to receive notification on the Employment Permits page of the Department's website.
