Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
69. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the review of the policy in relation to work permits, in particular in relation to permits for healthcare assistants and nursing; the rights and entitlements of those permit holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54087/23]
View answerThe deliberative process to review the occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupations List) for employment permits is nearing completion. The review incorporated a public consultation to which some submissions were made in regard to healthcare sector. The Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy was established to oversee the process and its final report has now been received by my office.
I am currently reviewing its recommendations and will make an announcement on the revised lists of occupations for employment permits in the near future.
In order to address skills and labour shortages in the public and private healthcare and nursing home sector the roles of Healthcare Assistant and Care Worker were made eligible for the General Employment Permit (GEP) in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Employment permit holders have the same employment rights and protections as any other worker in the State and the employment permits legislation is part of the employment rights framework which ensures the protection of all employees legally employed in Ireland.
Healthcare assistants are eligible to be employed under a General Employment permit (GEP). A GEP can be issued for an initial period of 2 years and can then be renewed for up to a further three years. After 5 years, an application may be made to the Department of Justice for long-term residency permission removing the need to hold an employment permit to work in the State.
