Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
405. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it has been brought to his attention that approximately 100 engineers have recently come to Ireland from Israel to work with Intel; if it is the case that Israel is to be a key partner in the development of Ireland's weapons industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47945/23]
View answerIreland’s economic migration policy facilitates the entry, in the short to medium term, of non-EEA nationals to fill skills gaps in economically strategic sectors. In framing policy, consideration is given to other instruments that are also available in meeting skills shortages challenges, such as upskilling and activating the unemployed.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that it has issued 100 Intra Company Transfer Employment Permits so far in respect of the company mentioned in the details supplied, to facilitate engineers from Israel to work at its Irish operation.
The Intra-Company Transfer Permit is designed to facilitate the transfer of senior management, key personnel or trainees who are non-EEA nationals from an overseas branch of a multinational corporation to its Irish branch. The main attraction of this permit is that it facilitates the temporary injection of corporate personnel and also provides for such employees to stay on the foreign payroll. This type of permit is available on the basis that the employment is temporary. As such, holders do not accrue rights for long-term residency purposes.
As regards to the question of Israel being a partner in the development of a weapons industry in Ireland, I can assure the Deputy that my Department has no enterprise or trade development policy promoting such a thing.
Any trader who wishes to export military goods or services from Ireland must obtain prior authorisation from my Department. My officials administer and enforce Export Controls and EU Trade Sanctions to the highest of international standards, in accordance with EU and national law. A new Act to update and replace the Control of Exports Act 2008 was signed into law on 26 October 2023. The new Control of Exports Act 2023 will enhance Ireland’s comprehensive and effective export control framework, improving compliance and enforcement capabilities and providing clear guidance for stakeholders in fulfilling their obligations in exporting dual-use and military items.
