Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2023
36. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a team has been appointed to conduct a review of the occupations on the critical skills occupation list and ineligible occupations list for employment permits; when this review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44399/23]
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 who may provide observations on the occupation under review.
The Economic Migration Policy Unit of my Department are tasked with responsibility for managing the review of the lists process and are actively engaging with other government departments to consider submissions received to the latest public consultation to review the Occupations Lists which was open between June and August this year. A report containing recommendations for my consideration is expected in November.
