Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
366. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of applicants who have been refused a general employment permit for the role of dairy farm assistant solely on the basis that the quota has been filled for the years 2022 to 2025 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69781/25]
View answerIreland’s employment permits system is designed to address skills and labour shortages in the short to medium term, while ensuring that suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals are not available to undertake the work.
The role of Dairy Farm Assistant has been eligible for General Employment Permits since 2018, subject to an annual quota. A total of 1,100 permits have been allocated for this role since its introduction, and this quota was fully utilised in November 2025. I am advised that 84 applications have been refused this year as the quota for this role has been reached.
Where a sector seeks an extension of a quota or removal of a role from the ineligible occupations list, evidence must demonstrate a continuing need for access to employment permits, supported by the relevant lead Department. My Department has received a submission from the agri-food sector regarding Dairy Farm Assistants as part of the current review, which closed on 19 September. Consideration of all submissions and supporting evidence is ongoing, including for occupations currently subject to quotas. Final recommendations are expected to be published in early 2026.
