Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2023
27. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) with regard to addressing the shortage of dental nurses and dentists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44206/23]
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 reviews 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 Health who may provide observations on the occupation under review.
My Department is actively engaging with other government departments including the Department of Health to consider submissions received to the latest public consultation to review the Occupations Lists which was open between June and August this year. My Department has received a submission from the named organisation related to their sector as part of the Review. Over 100 submissions were received covering a number of occupations in a range of sectors with one submission making reference to dental nurse.
A report containing recommendations for my consideration is expected in November.
