Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2025
417. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if motor mechanic, plasterer and plumber trades can be added to the critical skills occupation list for employment permits to work in the State given the shortage of qualifications, skills or experience required for the proper functioning of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48280/25]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system, maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term. This objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is genuine.
The system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible Occupations List setting out, respectively, professional occupations in high demand and occupations not eligible for an employment permit based on availability in the current labour market.
The Occupations Lists are subject to periodic reviews incorporating a public consultation inviting evidence-based submissions from all sectors. Each review takes account of research undertaken by SOLAS's Skills and Labour Market Research Unit and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy departments including for example the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group.
Motor Mechanics, Plasterers and Plumber are roles currently eligible for a General Employment Permit. Where evidence supports a change, an occupation could potentially be considered for addition to the Critical Skills Occupation List subject to requirements that apply to the permit type such as minimum remuneration and qualifications.
An evidenced-based submission may be submitted to my Department for consideration to this review, with the closing date for submissions set for September 19th at 5pm. More information on the Review can be found here: enterprise.gov.ie/en/consultations/public-consultation-review-of-occupations-lists-for-employment-permits.html
