Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
75. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what communication took place with the food processing sector around the introduction of the changes to the work permit legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17069/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2023 Review of the Employment Permit Occupations Lists delivered comprehensive changes to the employment permits system including an increase in the occupations for which permits can be granted. Changes to the minimum salary thresholds for employment permits were also introduced in January following an internal review. The salary thresholds for the majority of employment permits had not changed in almost a decade and were out of date, having not kept pace with inflation since 2014.
A public consultation was held as a part of the review of the Occupations Lists. A total of 13 submissions was received from the food processing sector and were considered by my Department, the relevant lead departments and the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy.
As a result of the Review, additional general employment permit quotas were provided for the agri-food sector in order to address labour needs, including:
• 1,000 for meat processing operatives;
• 350 for butcher/boners;
• 350 for dairy farm assistants; and
• 1,000 for horticultural workers
A summary of the changes is available on the Department’s website.
I recognise the importance of the agri-food sector and the challenges it faces. Therefore, any further changes to minimum salary thresholds will be subject to ongoing stakeholder consultation.
