Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
372. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the final recommendations from a review of the occupations lists for employment permits will be published, in view of the public consultation process closing on the 19 September 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69842/25]
View answerIreland operates a vacancy-led employment permits system, which is designed to maximise the benefits of economic migration and minimise the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market.
A list system for in-demand, highly skilled occupations (Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL)) and those for which a ready source of labour is available (Ineligible Occupations List (IOL)) are in place. Roles that are not contained on either of these lists are eligible for a General Employment Permit. The occupations lists are periodically reviewed to ensure that the system is responsive to changes in economic circumstances and labour market conditions. The process includes a public consultation inviting submissions from interested stakeholders to provide their observations and experiences for changes, based on evidence.
The public consultation to the current review launched earlier this year, closing on Friday, 19th of September. My department received submissions from a diverse range of stakeholders with requests cover making certain roles eligible for permits, as well as requesting other roles to be moved onto the ineligible occupations list.
The review process is well underway and officials of my department are engaging with representatives a lead policy departments through the cross departmental group chaired by my department tasked with overseeing the review process. A report will be prepared with final recommendations for my consideration and expected to be published at the beginning of 2026.
