Tuesday, 11 Oct 2022

Written Answers Nos. 153-172

International Protection

Ceisteanna (153, 158)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of the number of staff by grade who are assigned on a full-time basis to liaise and provide support to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in order for that Department to fulfil its areas of responsibility in respect of providing for the needs of those seeking international protection and persons categorised by virtue of the temporary protection directive of the European Union; and if he will provide a schedule of the services that his Department provides to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in that regard. [50458/22]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

158. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Taoiseach if there is an interdepartmental working group in place to facilitate the accommodation, education, health, social and community care and supports needed to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49824/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 158 together.

The whole of government humanitarian response to the situation in Ukraine is being led at senior level across Government at a national and local level.

The national co-ordination of the Government’s response is led by the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees which I chair.

The work of the Cabinet Committee is underpinned by a Senior Officials Group on the Humanitarian Response and related sub-groups which meet on a regular basis.

The Senior Officials Group involves the key departments and agencies who are involved in providing accommodation and a range of supports, including measures to promote integration, to people fleeing from Ukraine who are availing of Temporary Protection here.

The Social Policy Division in my Department provides secretariat to the Cabinet Committee and also chairs the Senior Officials Group and related sub-groups.

Cabinet Committees

Ceisteanna (154)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

154. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach the number of Cabinet Committees that are in place; if he has created any new Cabinet Committees in the past year; the Cabinet Committee that deals with Energy; and the frequency with which it has met. [49901/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The Government has established 11 Cabinet Committees as follows:

- COVID-19

- Economic Recovery and Investment

- Housing

- Health

- Environment and Climate Change

- Social Affairs and Equality

- Education

- Europe

- Brexit and Northern Ireland

- Government Co-ordination, and

- Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees.

The Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees was established in April.

Energy issues are dealt with by a number of Cabinet Committees, including the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment and the Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment, which is responsible for issues relating to the economy and investment, first met on 8 July 2020. It has met on a total of 22 occasions, most recently on 3 October. The next meeting has not yet been scheduled.

The Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change oversees the implementation of the ambitious Programme for Government commitments in relation to the environment and climate change. It first met on 30 July 2020 and has met on a total of 14 occasions, most recently 25 July. The next meeting of the Cabinet Committee is scheduled to take place on Thursday 27 October.

Census of Population

Ceisteanna (155)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

155. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach if the preparations and planning for Census 2027 will include a review of the possibility of including a third gender on the census form. [49156/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The CSO works hard to ensure that the information collected and provided from the census remains current, relevant and of maximum use to the public.

As part of the preparatory work for the 2027 census, the CSO will conduct a public consultation by inviting members of the public and various interest groups to make submissions on the topics to be covered, and on the outputs to be produced. A notice to this effect will be published in the national press/social media in November 2022 seeking submissions, and all government departments will be contacted for their input.

A Census Advisory Group made up of representatives of government departments, public bodies, universities, the social partners and CSO personnel will then convene and make recommendations on the questions to be tested in a census pilot which will be undertaken in 2024. It is expected that consideration will be given to the inclusion of questions on gender identity and sexual orientation. The purpose of the pilot is to test new questions, changes to existing questions, and new field methodology, in a selection of areas across the country. For the first time in 2024 an online response option to the census, will be tested.

The expert group will then assess the results of the Pilot and make recommendations on the content of the Census 2027 questionnaire. The final content of the questionnaire will be submitted for government approval in 2025.

Departmental Bodies

Ceisteanna (156)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

156. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Taoiseach the name, function and establishment date of all the organisations and agencies that are funded by his Department; the number of employees in each; and the salary of the chief executive in each organisation and agency. [49194/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my Department, was established under the National Economic and Social Development Office Act, 2006. Its function is to advise me as Taoiseach on all strategic matters relevant to economic and social development in the State. At present NESDO has 15 employees. The rates of remuneration of NESDO staff are based on the pay-scales set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with the Chief Officer of NESDO being paid at the Assistant Secretary level.

Census of Population

Ceisteanna (157)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

157. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Central Statistics Office will begin its consultation with the general public and data users on the questions for Census 2027 to include questions on gender identity and sexual orientation. [49517/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The CSO works hard to ensure that the information collected and provided from the census remains current, relevant and of maximum use to the public.

As part of the preparatory work for the 2027 census, the CSO will conduct a public consultation by inviting members of the public and various interest groups to make submissions on the topics to be covered, and on the outputs to be produced. A notice to this effect will be published in the national press/social media in November, 2022 seeking submissions, and all government departments will be contacted for their input.

A Census Advisory Group made up of representatives of government departments, public bodies, universities, the social partners and CSO personnel will then convene and make recommendations on the questions to be tested in a census pilot which will be undertaken in 2024. It is expected that consideration will be given to the inclusion of questions on gender identity and sexual orientation. The purpose of the pilot is to test new questions, changes to existing questions, and new field methodology, in a selection of areas across the country. For the first time in 2024 an online response option to the census, will be tested.

The expert group will then assess the results of the Pilot and make recommendations on the content of the Census 2027 questionnaire. The final content of the questionnaire will be submitted for government approval in 2025.

Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 153.

Departmental Properties

Ceisteanna (159)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

159. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within his Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under his remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities. [50349/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

Both my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my Department, take active steps to support staff returning to the workplace from maternity leave.

In line with Circular 31/06 Implementation of the Regulations of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, staff returning from maternity leave who are breastfeeding are entitled to paid breaks from work (one hour per day), or reduced daily working time (one hour per day) to facilitate breastfeeding or lactation until the child is two years of age.

At present, my Department's workplaces are located in Government Buildings and in shared office accommodation in Dublin Castle. At both locations there is a private room which is available to staff requiring private space for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk. Access to refrigeration units for the purpose of storing breast milk is provided on request at both locations. Similarly, the NESDO premises has a private room with easy access to kitchen and bathroom facilities which can be used by staff requiring privacy for breastfeeding and expressing milk.

Intellectual Property

Ceisteanna (160, 171, 172, 173)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

160. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will support the 17 June 2022 WTO decision on the TRIPS Agreement to therapeutics and diagnostic tests without further restrictions or conditions. [50366/22]

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

171. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will clearly outline Ireland's position on the proposal to extend the TRIPS waiver to therapeutics and diagnostics for Covid-19, which is the subject of discussion at the World Trade Organization; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50239/22]

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

172. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether intellectual property rights should be protected, especially in the development of innovative medicinal products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50240/22]

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

173. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of engagement that his Department has had with the European Commission in respect of the proposed extension of the TRIPS waiver to therapeutics and diagnostics for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50241/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160, 171, 172 and 173 together.

Responding to the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ministers at the WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2022 agreed an outcome in relation to the production and supply of Covid-19 vaccines.

The ‘Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement’ provides for a waiver of certain obligations of the TRIPS Agreement and includes clarifications that will allow eligible WTO Members to authorise a company to manufacture and export COVID-19 vaccines in a fast and simplified manner and without the consent of the patent owner.

Developing countries will be able to use this solution to authorise the manufacture, import or export of COVID-19 vaccines without prior negotiation with the patent owner and without any notification requirements that would delay the start of the manufacture or export.

Equally important is the clarification that the remuneration for patent owners may take account of humanitarian or not-for-profit purpose of production and hence support the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines at affordable prices for those in need.

The Ministerial Decision covers COVID-19 vaccines as well as the ingredients and processes necessary for their manufacture. At the time of the adoption of the Decision, there was no consensus among the Members to cover also COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics.

As a compromise, paragraph 8 of the Decision stipulates that no later than six months from the date of that Decision (17 December 2022), Members will be expected to decide on whether to extend the Decision to cover the production and supply of COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics.

Trade is an exclusive competence of the EU, and accordingly the negotiations on TRIPS, as a trade matter, are led by the EU. The EU is in the process of conducting internal consultations and analysis on the extension, taking into consideration that the case for COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics is more complex than the one pertaining to vaccines.

Discussions on the extension of the mechanism to cover the production and supply of COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics are ongoing in the WTO and the EU is engaging constructively in these discussions.

Ireland will continue to engage with the European Commission and other Member States on the EU position. A decision to extend the earlier Ministerial Decision from June 2022 will require the agreement of all WTO Members.

Departmental Transport

Ceisteanna (161)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

161. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a policy regarding the appropriate use of domestic flights in his Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department. [50120/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department has a dedicated Policy on all matters relating to official travel by staff of the Department and its Offices, including air travel. The Policy is framed on the relevant circulars and advice from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and reflects the general principle of achieving efficiency and value for money and minimising travel and subsistence costs. The Policy is regularly reviewed. The last such review was completed in March of this year.

In respect of the Agencies that come within my remit, they are statutorily independent in their functions and this is an operational matter for them.

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (162)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

162. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) for a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49533/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a Critical Skills Employment Permit in respect of the first individual (in the details supplied) issued on 29/07/2020. This employment permit expired on 20/09/2022. The person concerned has been issued with a Stamp 4 Support Letter from my Department to enable them to apply for Stamp 4 permission from the Department of Justice. Once that is obtained they will no longer require an employment permit.

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a Critical Skills Employment Permit in respect of the second individual (in the details supplied) was received on 14th June 2022. Separate requests for further information in relation to this application issued from my Department on 24/07/2022, 10/09/2022 and on 05/10/2022. As soon as the response to the most recent request is received a decision will be made regarding this application.

International Bodies

Ceisteanna (163)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

163. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount paid to the European Space Agency from 2002 to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49534/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department manages Ireland’s membership of the European Space Agency (ESA). One of the principal reasons for Ireland’s investment in ESA programmes is to nurture and build a base of technologically sophisticated enterprises that develop and trial technology solutions via space applications, and then go on to develop new markets in a wide range of application areas based on the expertise they have built up, such as in other high reliability sectors such as automotive and aerospace.

Importantly, the global space economy presents real commercial opportunity to Irish companies. It was estimated to be worth over $350 billion US dollars in 2020 and prior to the COVID-19 crisis, it was expected to grow to $1 trillion US dollars by 2030.

ESA is the only access point for Ireland’s space active industry to develop and qualify their space technologies. Engagement with ESA creates a unique opportunity for Irish companies to win a share of the overall space economy. It complements national supports to Irish industry and offers a unique pathway to access highly specialised facilities and knowledge.

Ireland’s annual contributions, funded by my Department to ESA from 2002 to present date cumulatively is just over €325 million (including a direct contribution by Enterprise Ireland of €2.5M in 2021 to support specific industrial development activities).

ESA operates on the basis of “geo-return”, meaning a proportional amount of the money invested into ESA is returned to Irish businesses to develop and build new technologies. In that regard it is noted that Ireland currently has 97 space-active companies with ESA contracts and is well on the way to meeting the objective set in the National Space Strategy for Enterprise 2019 – 2025 of supporting 100 companies to benefit from ESA engagement.

Furthermore, in line with the commitments made in the National Space Strategy for Enterprise we have seen a significant increase in co-funding from industry in this sector. This represents a positive trend and is indicative of the growing strength of the space-active sector in Ireland.

We expect to pass a significant milestone in the coming months with the launch of EIRSAT-1, Ireland's first satellite, built by a team in UCD with support from Irish industry and ESA. This poses many commercial and educational benefits, and recognises our ambition in this sector.

Significant new opportunities are also emerging for enterprise to use satellite-derived data to develop high value services which can support policy making decisions, enterprise development and address global challenges, including climate change.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (164)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

164. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are small business loans available to a publican and restaurant owner who is under ongoing financial pressure as a result of the Covid-19-related lockdowns, particularly in relation to meeting mortgage and loan repayment due to the period of reduced operations and revenues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49541/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

This is a difficult time for many businesses, especially those businesses heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and facing an uncertain future in light of recent global developments.

My Department introduced the Covid-19 Loan Scheme (the ‘CLS’) on 4th July 2022 to ensure that an appropriate option for access to finance remained in place for Covid-19 impacted SMEs.

The Scheme is aimed at helping vulnerable but viable businesses to continue to trade so that they can survive through these turbulent times, including maintaining employment levels, which is crucial for society and the economy. Finance provided is competitively priced and some refinance can be availed of to address existing short-term credit needs.

Access to this scheme is based on businesses meeting a criterion of being impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in business turnover or profit being negatively impacted by a minimum of 15%.

Applications for eligibility are firstly made to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (the ‘SBCI’) and the CLS is available for a wide range of sectors and activities.

Lending under the CLS is available from AIB, Permanent Tsb and Metamo Credit Unions (Access CU, Cara CU, St. Canice’s CU, St. Francis CU, and Savvi CU).

Also, ‘the Covid-19 Loan’, available from Microfinance Ireland (MFI), is a support to microenterprises (business with fewer than 10 employees and/or turnover less than €2 million) to help them access funding arising from the Covid-19 crisis. These loans are available for eligible microenterprises responding to Covid-19-related difficulties, the negative impact of which must be a minimum of 15% of actual or projected income or profit.

The MFI Covid-19 Loan Scheme includes a six-month repayment free moratorium, with interest rates as low as 4.5% for the remaining period of the loan.

MFI provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to businesses that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. It lends to businesses that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial lenders and applies interest rate charges for its lending which are not reflective of its credit risk.

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (165)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

165. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will honour the terms of the Employment Regulation Order for the security industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49731/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Statutory Instrument giving effect to the new Employment Regulation Order for the Security Industry was to apply from 29 August 2022. However, on 24 August 2022, my Department was informed that the High Court had granted an Injunction prohibiting the commencement of the proposed Statutory Instrument. Department Officials have engaged the Attorney General’s office on the matter. However, as the matter is still before the Courts, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.

Departmental Bodies

Ceisteanna (166)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

166. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of whole-time equivalent staff vacancies by job title in the Health and Safety Authority as of 3 October 2022; the full-year cost of filling each of the vacancies; and when each of these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [49994/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

As part of Budget 2021 the Government allocated the Health and Safety Authority an additional pay contribution of €4.2 million. On foot of this additional budget, the HSA undertook an organisational review in 2021 to ensure that the future organisational structures, resources and ways of working would be fit for purpose to meet its broad mandates. This review gave rise to the recruitment of additional resources is being managed on a phased basis over 24 months that will bring the overall number of positions to 317 across both administrative and professional and technical grades.

As of the 30th September 2022, the HSA currently has 236 staff (231.1 FTE), as set out in the table below.

Grade	As at 30.09.2022
CEO	1
Assistant Chief Executive	4
Programme Manager/ Principal Officer	7
Physician	0
Inspector Grade I	20
Inspector Grade II	53
Inspector Grade III	65
AP/ AP Higher	11
HEO	28
EO	27
CO	19
Services Officer	1
Total Positions Filled	236
Vacant Positions	81

Following extensive recruitment throughout 2021 and 2022, the grades which currently include most vacancies are those at Grade II, Grade III, and Clerical Officer which currently have 12, 43, and 12 vacancies respectively.

The current HSA recruitment pipeline includes three large-volume campaigns which are programmed to fill these roles, with the Grade II competition recently closed, and the Grade III and Clerical Officer competitions due to go live in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that these competitions will lead to a large cohort of new staff joining the HSA from Q1 2023.

Trade Data

Ceisteanna (167)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

167. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the overall value of goods imported into Ireland from South Africa in each of the past three years. [49995/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data on Goods Exports and Imports.

According to the CSO, the overall value of goods imported into Ireland from South Africa for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 was €386 million. The value of goods imports for each of the three years is contained in the following table.

Year	Goods Imports from South Africa - €million
2019	122
2020	100
2021	164

The value of goods imported into Ireland from South Africa for the period January to July 2022 was €182 million.

Low Pay Commission

Ceisteanna (168)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

168. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission to prepare a report examining the issues around retaining, removing, or expanding youth rates of the National Minimum Wage has been progressed following the publication of the Commission’s Living Wage Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50019/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Pursuant to S.I. No. 72/2019 - National Minimum Wage (Prescription of percentages of hourly rates of pay) Order 2019, an age-based system currently applies to the payment of the National Minimum Wage to those aged under 20 years of age.

This age-based system was introduced following recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission in 2017 on subminimum rates of the National Minimum Wage.

On 28th February 2022 I asked the Low Pay Commission to again examine the issues around retaining or removing these youth rates and to make recommendations on the subject.

This request was referenced in the Commission’s report on the living wage where they recommended that “it reviews the issues around retaining, removing, or expanding youth rates and makes recommendations on this issue”.

I understand that the Low Pay Commission has begun to consider this issue and has discussed with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) terms of reference for supporting research on subminimum rates, under the Low Pay Commission / ESRI Research Partnership Agreement.

The Low Pay Commission is due to submit their report and recommendations on youth rates during 2023.

Trade Missions

Ceisteanna (169)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

169. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a trade mission to the west coast of United States of America is planned before the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50083/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Each year, Enterprise Ireland offers a programme of trade missions and events which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland who are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment.

In recent years the majority of Ministerial-led trade missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represented the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These trade missions have been focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and life sciences.

I visited the United States from 24 – 29 April 2022 as part of a trade and investment mission to the US West Coast region. The trade and investment mission was jointly organised by our trade and investment agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, and I was accompanied by the CEOs of the two agencies.

As part of the mission is to highlight trade and investment opportunities, and to support the work of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, I met with executives of a number of companies and I participated in a number of business events and roundtable discussions. These included a venture capital roundtable, ICT Advisory Panel; a Bay Area Industry roundtable; and a US Healthcare Roundtable Meeting. These events and meetings were attended by executives from a large number of companies that are operating in the relevant areas.

The question of a further trade mission to the west coast of the US will be considered in the context of the trade mission programme for 2023.

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (170)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

170. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a pathway for employers to apply for a visa to employ a mechanic from outside the EEA in a situation in which the employer has tried extensively to recruit from within the EEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50157/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Ireland 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 accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps for the benefit of our economy, in the short to medium term, and is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine roles that are either in critical short supply or are ineligible for an employment permit.

The role of Vehicle Mechanic is on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, an employment permit cannot be granted for this occupation.

The Occupations Lists undergo periodic review and a public/stakeholder consultation. My Department chairs the Interdepartmental Group to oversee the review process which includes membership drawn from senior officials of key departments including the Department of Transport who have policy responsibility for this sector.

The aim of the Group is to promote an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages being experienced in the economy and is guided by relevant research. This includes assessing proposals received through the public consultation for changes to the Occupations Lists.

The Department continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and the timing of the next Review of the Occupational Lists will be kept under consideration.

Question No. 171 answered with Question No. 160.

Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 160.