Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
197. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of permits issued for the years 2020-2024 for all categories of healthcare assistants; if a quota applies to these categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18310/25]
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 system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages in the State required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy.
A quota of 1,000 General Employment Permits for the role of care workers and home carers was introduced in December 2022. In March this year, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke approved an extension of a further 1000 General Employment Permits to this quota to help alleviate labour shortages in this important area.
Below, in tabular form, are the total employment permits issued during the period in questions. They include details for Health Care Assistants, and the similar roles of Home Carer and Care Worker, which are categorised separately in the employment permit system. I can confirm that Health Care Assistants are not subject to a quota. Care workers and Home Carers are subject to a shared quota. This quota was most recently added to on the 10th of March 2025, with an additional 1,000 General Employment Permits being made available for these roles, in addition to the 1,500 having been previously made available since 2022.
Employment Permits Issued Annually to Health Care Assistants, Care Workers and Home Carers 2020-2024
|
Role |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Health Care Assistants |
1 |
55 |
2,860 |
2,795 |
3,988 |
|
Care Workers and Home Carers |
13 |
7 |
16 |
441 |
835 |
Where a sector wishes to have certain occupations removed from the quota system, the sector should make an evidence-based submission that demonstrates that the demand for these occupations is such that a quota is no longer necessary. This should be supported by the department with lead responsibility for the sector, in this case the Department of Health.
The next review of the Occupations Lists will take place in Summer 2025.
