Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
329. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the review of critical skills and ineligible occupations lists will be completed and published; if upholsterers (5412) and furniture makers (5442) will be included on the critical skills list;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53037/23]
View answerThe deliberative process to review the occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits is nearing completion. The review incorporates a public consultation to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages. These evidence-based submissions were considered by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy.
The IDG was convened on 26 October to oversee the review, consider evidence and submissions and to collect the observations from Government departments with regard to shortages and impacts in their sectors.
The final report of the IDG has now been received by my office for my consideration this week. I am currently reviewing its recommendations and will make an announcement on the revised lists of occupations for employment permits in the near future. The outcome will be published on my Department’s website once finalised.
The roles of Upholsterer and Furniture Maker are listed on the Ineligible Occupations List and are therefore not eligible for employment permits at the present time. Over 100 submissions were received to the review covering a number of occupations in a range of sectors including these occupations.
