Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
466. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of work on the single permit to both work and live in Ireland; the timeline for the implementation of the single permit; the status of plans to opt into the EU’s Single Permit Directive, and the timeline for same, and the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22936/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is the Government has approved that a single permit for work and immigration permissions should be developed and implemented, subject to the consideration of an Inter-Departmental Working Group (IDWG). This group was established to examine the implications of a single permit; and to develop an implementation plan which would allow for the possibility of opting in to the Single Permit Directive.
The IDWG has now reported back to Government that it is feasible to begin implementation of the single permit and to opt-in to the Directive. On foot of this, the Government has recently agreed that implementation of the single permit should begin and that, in principle, Ireland should opt-in to the Directive. The opt-in will be subject to a further Government decision at the appropriate time. The Single Permit Directive requires that the decision to issue, amend, renew or reject the single permit shall constitute a single administrative act combining a residence permit and an employment permit within a 90 day timeline. The adoption of the Single Permit is expected to be completed over the course of the next three years. A programme management team is now being established between the Department of Justice and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to commence implementation of the Single Permit. The programme is expected to be delivered on a phased basis, which will aim to streamline existing processes as a new application platform is developed with customer benefits in the shorter term, such as developing a single payment. Short term actions include establishing data sharing agreements and enhancing communications between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and my Department, such as alignment of online information. My Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure that our economic migration arrangements are fair, efficient and responsive to the needs of Irish society and the economy and greater prosperity generally. The introduction of a Single Permit will increase Ireland’s competitiveness when attracting much needed skills and experience to the labour market across all sectors of the economy. This is matter which is increasingly important given the sustained full employment in Ireland and demographic challenges which face the whole of Europe.
