Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permit-related visa applications currently awaiting process with particular reference to various aspects of the economy particularly affected by staff shortages; the extent to which this issue is being addressed in the shortest time possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5972/24]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that as of 2nd February, the number of applications awaiting processing is 3,991. Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order.
The current processing dates as of 2nd February 2024 in respect of each permit type are as follows:
• Standard New Applications - 27 December 2023
• Trusted Partner Applications – 16 January 2024
• Standard Renewal Applications – 4th December 2023
• Trusted Partner Renewals – 12th January 2024
• Standard Critical Skills Employment Permits – 27th December 2023
• Trusted Partner Critical Skills Employment Permits – 17th January 2024
• This information is published on the Department's website at Current processing dates - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)
• January 2024 was a particularly busy period for Employment Permits applications. The Department received 5366 Employment Permit Applications (the number for the same period in 2023 was 2554). This was due to a range of factors, including changes to the employment permit system that were announced in December.
