Written Answers Nos. 355-374
358. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a timeline is available as to when the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 will reach completion, given many individuals are relying on the legislation to remain in their position of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69015/25]
View answerThe Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 was published on 1 April 2025.
The Bill will deliver a new employment right by providing that, in general, an employer may not enforce a contractual retirement age which is below the pensionable age (age 66) if the employee does not consent to retire.
The Bill completed Second Stage in the Seanad on 25 November 2025.
The timeline for the enactment of the Bill is a matter for the Oireachtas. Once enacted, there will be an appropriate lead-in time in advance of commencement of the legislation during which there will be a communications campaign to ensure employers and employees fully understand the implications of this new employment right.
359. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will give consideration to increasing the current quota for dairy farm assistants under the general employment permit system; in view of the fact that dairy farmers in Cork South-West have been unable to recruit staff locally despite extensive efforts over a two-year period, and that the existing quota has now been filled, leaving farms in a critical position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69299/25]
View answer362. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he plans to release additional permits for dairy farm assistants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69566/25]
View answer367. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider introducing temporary or emergency measures to address the shortage of dairy farm assistants, including a temporary extension of the quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69782/25]
View answer369. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if consideration can be given to increasing the quota for dairy farm assistants under the general employment permits scheme, in view of the quota being reached and all subsequent applications being rejected, taking into account that many employers urgently require dairy farm assistants for the upcoming spring calving season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69839/25]
View answer371. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if consideration can be given to increasing the quota for dairy farm assistants under the general employment permits scheme in view of the high demand for skilled workers in agriculture, in particular during the spring calving season, taking into account that labour shortages are a major challenge for dairy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69841/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 359, 362, 367, 369 and 371 together.
Ireland's employment permits system 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 Occupation List and the Ineligible Occupations List which are subject to review. Each review takes account of research undertaken by SOLAS's Skills and Labour Market Research Unit and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and input from the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group which includes the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The role of dairy farm assistant has been provided with a quota of 1,100 General Employment Permits since eligibility was first introduced in 2018. This quota was exhausted in November 2025.
Typically, quotas are not automatically extended when they are exhausted and further engagement from the sector is generally required. Where a sector wishes to have a quota extended, or a role fully removed from the ineligible occupations list (i.e. not subject to a quota), evidence should demonstrate a continuing need for access to employment permits for the role, supported by the department with lead responsibility for the sector.
My department has received a submission from the agri-food sector with regard to the role of dairy farm assistant to the current review which closed to receipt of submissions on Friday, 19th of September. Consideration of submissions and evidence supporting changes is currently in progress including where occupations that currently have assigned quotas are undergoing review.
My Department is currently engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the eligibility for employment permits and quotas affecting the sector as part of this review. Final recommendations are expected to be published at the beginning of 2026.
It is important to note that employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term. It is not intended to act as a long term substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling Ireland’s resident workforce, and is instead focused on maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills deficits.
360. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on an employment permit application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69332/25]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department continues to operate with a strong focus on efficiency and improving overall processing timelines.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit application referred to was received on 01 December 2025. At present, the Section is processing Critical Skills Employment Permit applications received up to 25 November 2025.
It is important to note that an application must satisfy all legislative requirements, and the employer must ensure that it is meeting all of its obligations, including compliance with the 50:50 rule, in order for a permit to be granted.
To support applicants and employers, the Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which provides real-time updates on application status. In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available for Oireachtas members at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie
My Department remains committed to allocating resources where they are most needed and to improving processing times for all applicants.
361. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) in relation to their employment permit; if there is a timeline for the completion of the appeals process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69468/25]
View answerThe Employment Permits system operates under the Employment Permits Act 2024, which provides the statutory framework for the granting, refusal, and review of employment permit applications. The system is designed to support Ireland’s labour market needs by allowing non-EEA nationals to take up employment in sectors where skills or labour shortages exist, subject to defined eligibility criteria.
Where an employment permit application is refused, the applicant has access to a statutory review mechanism under section 17 of the Act. This allows for the decision to be reconsidered, taking into account any additional information or clarification provided by the applicant.
Following the decision to refuse the application of the individual concerned, an appeal submission was received on 29/10/2025. At present, the Employment Permits Section of my Department are reviewing appeals received up to 21 August 2025.
If the applicant wishes to request that an employment permit application be expedited, they may do so by submitting a detailed business case and completing an Employment Permit Expedite Request Form. The submission of a business case does not guarantee that an application will be expedited.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department continues to operate with a strong focus on efficiency and the reduction of processing times.
Request to expedite an Employment Permit Application
Name of Company/Individual making the request:
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Q 1. Confirm the Employment Permit application number? |
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A 1. |
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Q 2. When was the Employment Permit application submitted? |
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A 2. |
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Q 3. Was the application submitted 12 weeks prior to the proposed start date of the employment as is recommended by the Employment Permits Section? If not a detailed explanation as to why not is required? |
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A 3. |
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Q 4. State the business critical nature of the role in question for the company? |
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A 4. |
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Q 5. Provide specific details of the business critical work which will be called into question were this application to be processed in its scheduled date order? |
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A 5. |
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Q 6. If this role relates to a specific new contract/project, what new contracts/projects may not be fulfilled in line with contractual agreed commitments were this application to be processed in its scheduled date order? What percentage is the value of this contract/project compared to the company’s annual turnover? |
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A 6. |
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Q 7. If this role relates to an on-going/business-as-usual company activities, what percentage of annual business turnover will be lost if this application were to be processed in its scheduled date order? |
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A 7. |
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Q 8. Is the proposed employee in question a visa required national - Immigration-Service-Delivery-Visa-and-Non-Visa-Required-Countries.pdf (irishimmigration.ie)? |
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A 8. |
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Q 9. Is the proposed employee in question already in the State? |
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A 9. |
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363. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the implementation of 16.7% uplift on personal injury guidelines following the independent report carried out by the Injuries Resolution Board, which was launched by the Minister on 16 October 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69749/25]
View answerI want to thank the Deputy for the question.
Responsibility for the Judicial Council Act 2019 under which the Personal Injuries Guidelines fall, lies with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
As required by section 7 of the Judicial Council Act 2019, the Minister for Justice laid the revised Personal Injury Guidelines before the Oireachtas on 17th September 2025. The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration noted that in laying the revised Personal Injury Guidelines, he would not be bringing a resolution seeking approval of the proposed revised Personal Injury Guidelines to the Oireachtas and that the matter would be subject to further review.
The current Personal Injuries Guidelines therefore continue in force and apply equally to the Courts and the Injuries Resolution Board.
The Government has since approved the drafting of a general scheme of a Bill to amend the Judicial Council Act 2019 to make reviews of the Personal Injuries Guidelines more comprehensive and transparent. My Department is working with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration who are leading on the drafting of the scheme.
In July of this year, Minister Burke commissioned the Injuries Resolution Board to undertake a piece of research to examine levels of Irish personal injury awards compared to the UK. That independent report, ‘A Review of Compensation for Minor Soft Tissue Injuries in Ireland and the UK’ was published on 16 October.
The report analyses over 12,000 awards and settlements made under the Personal Injuries Guidelines between 2022 to 2024 and provides evidence that Ireland’s award levels for these categories of injuries remain greater than those in England and Wales.
Both Minister Burke and I will continue to attend meetings of the Cabinet Committee Subgroup on Insurance Reform, working alongside colleagues across Government to advocate on behalf of business and consumers to drive the insurance reform agenda, taking account of the wider issue of competitiveness and impacts on our economy.
364. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the rationale for setting a maximum number of general employment permits for dairy farm assistants; the criteria used to determine this figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69778/25]
View answerThe Employment Permits Act 2024 applies to non-EEA nationals who wish to take up eligible employment and residence in the State. All applicants must secure an offer of employment in the State before applying for an employment permit and applications are subject to a range of conditions including minimum remuneration, skills and qualifications, minimum hours of work, and conditions or limits on the grant of non-EEA labour supply in certain sectors or subsectors.
The purpose of the employment permits system is to assist economic growth by facilitating the filling of key skills gaps which cannot be filled from the domestic/EEA labour market. The system is administered through the operation of a Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and an Ineligible Occupations List (IOL). In order to ensure a measured approach is taken to changes that may impact workers in an industry, some roles can be removed from the IOL subject to a quota. This ensures testing of the labour market and the integration of a new cohort of workers into the Irish labour market in a balanced manner.
The role of dairy farm assistant has been provided with a quota of 1,100 General Employment Permits since eligibility was first introduced in 2018. This quota was exhausted in November 2025. Typically, quotas are not automatically extended when they are exhausted and further engagement from the sector is generally required. Where a sector wishes to have a quota extended, or a role fully removed from the ineligible occupations list (i.e. not subject to a quota), evidence should demonstrate a continuing need for access to employment permits for the role, supported by the department with lead responsibility for the sector.
An occupation may be considered for change on the occupations lists, or provision by quota, on the basis of evidence submitted by the relevant sector representatives and provided:
• there are no suitable Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work;
• development opportunities for Irish/EEA nationals are not undermined;
• genuine skills shortage exists and that it is not a recruitment or retention problem;
• education, training, employment and economic development policies are supported; and
• the skill shortage exists across the occupation, despite attempts by industry to train and attract Irish/EEA nationals to available jobs.
My Department takes an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages through periodic reviews of the eligibility of occupations for employment permits. The reasoning and decision making process in determining changes or extensions to quotas is considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy which includes representatives of key policy departments including for example the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
DAFM as representatives and experts in the dynamics and operations of the agri-food and dairy sectors speak to evidence and data on the workforce, shortages, challenges and current and future expansion plans of a sector in order for the IDG to reach any agreed recommendations.
It is important to note that employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term. It is not intended to act as a long term substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling Ireland’s resident workforce, and is instead focused on maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills deficits.
365. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he intends to review or increase the quota for general employment permits for dairy farm assistants, in light of evidence that the current quota has already been filled; the timeline for such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69779/25]
View answer368. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will be reopening quota’s for dairy farm assistants under the general employment permits scheme; when this is likely to commence, in view that the quota has been reached and now all subsequent applications have been rejected, taking into account that many employers urgently require dairy farm assistants for the upcoming spring calving season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69830/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 368 together.
Ireland's employment permits system 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 Occupation List and the Ineligible Occupations List which are subject to review. Each review takes account of research undertaken by SOLAS's Skills and Labour Market Research Unit and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and input from the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group which includes the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
My department has received a submission from the agri-food sector with regard to the role of dairy farm assistant to the current review which closed to receipt of submissions on Friday, 19th of September. Consideration of submissions and evidence supporting changes is currently in progress including where occupations that currently have assigned quotas are undergoing review. The final recommendations from this review are expected to be published at the beginning of 2026.
The role of dairy farm assistant has been provided with a quota of 1,100 General Employment Permits since eligibility was first introduced in 2018. This quota was exhausted in November 2025.
Typically, quotas are not automatically extended when they are exhausted and further engagement from the sector is generally required. Where a sector wishes to have a quota extended, or a role fully removed from the ineligible occupations list (i.e. not subject to a quota), evidence should demonstrate a continuing need for access to employment permits for the role, supported by the department with lead responsibility for the sector.
My Department regularly engages with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the eligibility for employment permits and quotas affecting the sector.
It is important to note that employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term. It is not intended to act as a long term substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling Ireland’s resident workforce, and is instead focused on maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills deficits.
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.
370. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the total number of dairy farm assistants applications received since eligibility was first introduced in 2018, and for each subsequent year from 2019 to 2024, and from 1 January to the 30 November 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69840/25]
View answerIreland's employment permits system 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 role of dairy farm assistant has been provided with a quota of 1,100 General Employment Permits since eligibility was first introduced in 2018. This quota was exhausted in November 2025.
Where a sector wishes to have a quota extended, or a role fully removed from the ineligible occupations list (i.e. not subject to a quota), evidence should demonstrate a continuing need for access to employment permits for the role, supported by the department with lead responsibility for the sector.
My department has received a submission from the agri-food sector with regard to the role of dairy farm assistant to the current review which closed to receipt of submissions on Friday, 19th of September. Consideration of submissions and evidence supporting changes is currently in progress including where occupations that currently have assigned quotas are undergoing review.
My Department is currently engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the eligibility for employment permits and quotas affecting the sector as part of this review. Final recommendations are expected to be published at the beginning of 2026.
The table below sets out the number of Employment Permit applications received for the role of Dairy Farm Assistants from 2018 to date in 2025.
These figures include all applications submitted for this role, including renewals, transfers, and other permit types, not just those subject to the annual quota.
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Soc Code |
Soc Title |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
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9111 |
Dairy Farm Assistants |
35 |
143 |
41 |
92 |
109 |
279 |
463 |
607 |
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.
373. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress that has been made to date by the interdepartmental group established to review the single application process for employment permits and visa applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69843/25]
View answerOver the last number of years my officials, in collaboration with officials in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DJHAM) have been working strenuously to deliver a more efficient and streamlined employment permit and visa system. The intention being to increase the competitiveness of Ireland in attracting the skills and talent the economy needs - especially in sectors like healthcare and construction.
A key element of this is the implementation of a single application procedure for both employment permits and immigration permissions, in line with the Single Permit Directive. It is expected that this will reduce the complexity of the current system, ensuring that the process responds effectively and quickly to meet the skills and labour needs of businesses.
A programme implementation team, co-chaired by my department and the DJHAM has been established. The initial focus of this group has been the streamlining of existing processes and coordinated external communication, scoping the feasibility of technological, legislative, and data sharing solutions, agreeing and laying the groundwork for subsequent implementation. The expected delivery date for this complex project is 2027.
The modernisation and integration of the IT systems in both departments is integral to delivering this project. I am pleased to report that earlier this year, my department launched the new ‘Employment Permits Online’ system. This portal-based system has made the application process easier, more secure, and more intuitive, resulting in a more streamlined processing experience for applicants. It sits on a Microsoft Power Platform which is based on similar technologies that the DJHAM IT systems are expected to move to and will support the infrastructure required for a single application process across the two departments.
The next phase of the development of the employment permits system is now underway and will include exploring the potential use of disruptive technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, building on this more modern and stable foundation. It will identify opportunities for service improvement that will result in further efficiency gains and an overall sleeker customer experience.
In advance of fully implementing a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions, officials in both departments are actively examining options to expedite visa processing for critical skills employment permit holders in high-demand sectors.
These developments mark a necessary and significant step towards a more integrated and efficient employment permit and visa system and will strengthen Ireland’s reputation as an attractive place to work and do business. My department remains committed to delivering a streamlined and customer focused service.
374. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the process in place whereby if a general employment permit for a dairy farm assistant has not been taken up/activated or if the applicant has been made redundant, if a mechanism is in place to facilitate an applicant whose application was rejected as the maximum number of general employment permits that may be granted to dairy farm assistants has been reached from 2 September 2025, taking into account that labour shortages are a major challenge for dairy farms and that many employers urgently require dairy farm assistants for the upcoming spring calving season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69845/25]
View answerMy Department operates the Employment Permits System in accordance with the Employment Permits Act 2024. The legislation sets out various criteria that must be met before a permit can be granted. Applications are subject to a range of conditions including minimum remuneration, skills and qualifications, minimum hours of work, and conditions or limits on the grant of non-EEA labour supply in certain sectors.
The purpose of the employment permits system is to assist economic growth by facilitating the filling of key skills gaps which cannot be filled from the domestic/EEA labour market. The system is administered through the operation of a Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and an Ineligible Occupations List (IOL).
In order to ensure a measured approach is taken to changes that may impact workers in an industry, some roles can be removed from the IOL subject to a quota. This ensures testing of the labour market and the integration of a new cohort of workers into the Irish labour market in a balanced manner.
A quota restriction applies to the number of new General Employment Permits (GEPs) that can be granted for that particular role. The quota does not apply to the grant of renewals. Applications are processed in date order and processing of appropriate applications will continue until the maximum number of new permits for the role has been reached. Once the quota is reached no further GEPs can be granted for that role and applications will be refused.
A refusal to grant an employment permit does not preclude an applicant from submitting another application for an employment permit where a quota restriction has been lifted or extended. Such an application should comply with all of the legislative requirements for the particular employment permit type.
