Work Permits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023

Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Questions (284)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

284. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 465 of 13 June 2023, when he anticipates the amendment to the Employment Permits Bill 2022 to allow general employment permit and critical skills employment permit holders to transfer employer within the bounds of the original employment permit, after a shorter period of nine months has passed from the start of their first employment, will be enacted into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29280/23]

Written answers

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

Approval has been given recently by Government to amend the Employment Permits Bill to allow General Employment Permit and Critical Skills Employment Permit holders to transfer employer after a prescribed period has passed from the start of their first employment in the State. The amendment will allow these permit holders to transfer employer without the requirement to apply for a new employment permit. The initial period prescribed will be nine months.

Currently, a change of employer can only be made by way of a new application for an employment permit after a period of 12 months has elapsed since taking up employment in the State with their first employer.

Report stage for the Employment Permits Bill 2022 is scheduled to take place before the summer recess. The Bill will then begin its legal process through the Seanad in the autumn, with enactment expected towards the end of the year or early next year.