Billy Kelleher
Ceist:135. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of her Department’s review of economic migration policy and the interdepartmental group established. [19550/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 3 May 2018
Ceisteanna (135)
Freagraí scríofa
Since 2012, the State's economic migration policy has been very much oriented towards highly skilled occupations which can drive the development of the productive economy. While this has been an appropriate approach in the period of recovery, in recent months, as we approach full employment, difficulties are arising in some sectors, as employers seek to fill lower skilled and lower paid occupations with consequent potential for constriction of growth due to labour deficits in particular sectors. Recognising the changed economy and labour market, my Department is undertaking a review of the economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system. The purpose of the review is to ensure that our current policies are fully supportive of Ireland’s emerging labour market needs, be they skills or labour shortages in certain sectors.
In undertaking any adjustment in the orientation of the system, the interest of the 233,100 people on the live register in Ireland and the 18 million unemployed in the EU 28 must be remembered, and a balance must be maintained which does not further disadvantage these job seekers.
The scope of the review is wide ranging and incorporates all aspects of the current employment permits system. It is being overseen by an Inter-Departmental Group chaired by my Department and comprises the Departments of Justice & Equality, Employment Affairs & Social Protection, Education & Skills, Public Expenditure, Housing, Planning & Local Government, Health, Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Tourism, Transport & Sport and SOLAS. The review, which is well underway, includes a public and stakeholder consultation as well as an EEA and international benchmarking exercise.
I have requested that a report setting out a framework and recommendations for short and long term actions to be taken be submitted to me by end of June 2018.