Changes to the employment permit occupations lists are made where there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available, development opportunities are not undermined, genuine skills shortage exists rather than recruitment or retention issues and where training and economic development policies are supported.
The occupations lists are subject to twice yearly evidence-based review and take account of research undertaken by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SOLAS) and the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy Departments and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. Account is also taken of contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID 19.
Consideration of the submissions received in the most recent review is underway. A submission has been received from the organisation concerned and will be considered in consultation with the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. It is expected that the review will be finalised in February 2021.
