Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
230. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider the inclusion of automobile engineering in his Department's critical skills occupations list, in view of the critical shortage of qualified automotive mechanics in the motor industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39696/23]
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, 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 automobile engineer (mechanic) is currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, an employment permit cannot be granted at present for this occupation.
My Department launched a review of the occupation lists on Monday 26th June 2023. Stakeholders and interested parties were invited to make a submission in relation to any relevant factors that they consider are impacting their sectors and for the Department to potentially make adjustments to the lists.
The final date for submissions was 5pm, Friday, 18th August 2023. I can confirm that my Department has received submissions in relation to the occupation of automobile engineer (mechanic). The data from each submission is being extracted and reviewed and my Department are planning to conclude and announce our findings by the end of October.
