Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
253. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if working permits will be extended to the profession of monumental stone sculptors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33637/23]
View answerIreland’s employment permits system is managed through the operation of two occupations lists. The Critical Skills Occupations List prioritises specified in-demand professional roles, and the Ineligible Occupations List identifies occupations for which a labour supply should be available in the Irish/EEA labour market and as such are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit.
The roles of Sculptor (Artist: Standard Occupational Classification code 3411) and Monumental Mason (Bricklayers and Masons: Standard Occupational Classification code 5312) are both eligible for employment permits subject to a Labour Market Needs Test.
In order to maintain the relevance of the occupations lists, and to ensure that the system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, the lists are subject to periodic evidence-based reviews involving a public/stakeholder consultation. An occupation may be considered for inclusion on the Critical Skills Occupations List 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 beyond salary and/or employment conditions.
I wish to advise the Deputy that I launched the Public Consultation to review the occupations lists on the 26th of June. The consultation will remain open for a period of 8 weeks. I would strongly encourage submissions from sector representatives and interested stakeholders. The submission form for the Public Consultation is accessible on the Department’s website at the following address: Public consultation on the review of the occupations lists for employment permits - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie). The Consultation remains open until August 18th 2023.
