Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of work permits granted for non-EU nationals to work in the hotel industry and as chefs here in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28286/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the employment of non-EEA nationals, the State's general policy is to promote the sourcing of skills needs from within the workforce of Ireland and the European Economic Area (EEA is made up of the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). The employment permits system, which my Department administers, is intended to offer an interim solution for employers where specific skills prove difficult to source within the EEA. The system offers a conduit into the Irish labour market for non-EEA nationals with in-demand skills and is operated as a vacancy-led system. The system is ordered by the use of lists which determine which occupations are highly demanded and which are ineligible for consideration for employment permits. Occupations not included on either list are considered eligible occupations but are subject to a labour market needs test. Changes to access to the Irish labour market for specific occupations via the employment permits system are made on the basis of research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) in tandem with a consultation process, as part of a package of measures to meet those skills needs.
Overall, in 2015, 184 employment permits were granted for occupations in the accommodation and food service sector which includes the hotel industry. In 2016, 290 employment permits were granted in respect of this sector and in 2017 to date, 95 employment permits have been granted.
The vast majority of these employment permits were granted in respect of chefs. In 2015, 144 employment permits were granted for chefs; in 2016 the figure was 287; in 2017 to date 83 have been granted. Currently, chefs with expertise in a non-EEA cuisine at the level of executive chef, head chef, sous chef and specialist chef are eligible for employment permits. My Department’s policy with regard to providing employment permits for these specific categories of chefs is that it is recognised that having a wide range of cuisines in the restaurant sector supports Ireland being an attractive destination for tourists.
In addition, employment in the hotel industry generally involves employments that are currently ineligible for employment permits - for example bar workers and catering support staff, spa workers and cleaning staff - as the research of the EGFSN has not indicated a skill shortage in these types of occupations. However, Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permits or Reactivation Employment Permits may be granted for ineligible occupations and these employment permits mainly account for the remaining permits granted in respect of the accommodation and food sector.
The lists of highly skilled and ineligible occupations are reviewed on a twice yearly basis. The current review is underway and consideration is being given to submissions received, including those from the hospitality sector, as part of the public consultation in April. It is expected the review will be completed over the coming months. The exact duration of the review will depend on the complexity involved in assessing and responding to the data received. However, I would anticipate that it will be September when the outcome will be available.
