Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
44. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the maximum quota for general employment permits for workers in the tourism and transport sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12955/26]
View answerThe Employment Permits System is kept under constant review to ensure it remains responsive to verified labour-market needs, while also safeguarding opportunities for the domestic and EEA workforce.
As part of this approach, a number of occupations in both the tourism and transport sectors are currently subject to maximum quotas under the General Employment Permit framework.
In the tourism sector, the quota in place is:
Hotel and Accommodation Managers and Proprietors – 350 permits.
In the transport sector, the quotas are as follows:
Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians – 400 permits;
Bus and Coach Drivers – 1,500 permits;
Vehicle Paint Technicians – 50 permits;
Vehicle Body Builders and Repairers – 100 permits;
HGV and Bus Mechanics – 400 permits;
Car Mechanics, Motor Mechanics, Auto Electricians and Motor Vehicle Technicians – 600 permits.
These quotas help target roles where there are ongoing and well-evidenced labour shortages, ensuring that the system remains balanced, evidence-based, and aligned with wider Government efforts to strengthen skills, workforce planning, and sustainable employment in these sectors.
My Department continues to monitor labour-market conditions closely, and these quotas will be reviewed as required to ensure they remain appropriate to Ireland’s economic and labour-market needs.
