Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
196. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how many applicants and how many permits were granted of the 1,500 critical skills employment permits introduced on 16 December 2022 for the role of bus and coach drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28969/23]
View answerIn December 2022, changes to the employment permits system were announced to help address the skills shortages in Ireland’s Transport sector. These changes included the introduction of a quota of 1,500 General Employment Permits, not Critical Skills Employment Permits as referenced in the Deputy's question.
As of 13th June 2023, there were a total of 94 general employment permit applications received for the role of bus and coach drivers. Of these 81 have been issued,1 application was refused,1 application was withdrawn, and 4 applications were returned. There are currently 2 new applications awaiting processing and 5 new applications awaiting the payment of the fee due.
My Department continues to actively respond to the concerns raised by various sectors with regard to the critical short supply of skills in a number of roles crucial to the economy.
