Thomas Gould
Question:342. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions he is taking to reduce the wait time for employment visa renewals. [5127/26]
View answerThursday, 22 January 2026
Questions (342)
Written answers
My Department is committed to delivering an efficient and responsive employment permit system that supports businesses while ensuring that Ireland is positioned to maximise the benefits of economic migration. The employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour shortages required to support enterprise and the wider economy.
Following a significant surge in demand for employment permits in recent years, my Department implemented operational improvements to address processing pressures. This plan included the allocation of additional staffing resources and the introduction of more efficient methods of processing permit applications. These measures have resulted in substantial reductions in waiting times and an improved overall user experience.
A central component of this was the development and introduction of a new processing system. The new Employment Permits Online system, launched in April 2025 following three years of development, represents a major modernisation of the permits infrastructure. This cloud-based system transforms how permits are processed and issued and provides employers and applicants with real-time access to their applications through an enhanced online portal.
To support the functioning of the labour market, my Department prioritises applications from new entrants to ensure that employers can fill vacancies quickly.
Applicants seeking to renew their existing employment permit may continue to work while their renewal application is being processed. This ensures continuity for both employees and businesses.
While overall processing times have improved considerably, my Department remains focused on further reducing waiting times for renewals. Work is ongoing to manage the renewal queue as efficiently as possible, and this remains an operational priority.
My Department will continue to monitor processing times closely and is committed to maintaining a modern, effective employment permit system capable of meeting the needs of a dynamic labour market.