Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2026
111. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the review of the critical skills occupation list will be concluded; when the results of such a review will be disclosed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17835/26]
View answerIreland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and ongoing skills shortages across the labour market. The Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List are central components of this system, and my Department undertakes regular, evidence-based reviews to ensure that they remain aligned with economic need and wider national priorities.
A comprehensive new review of the occupation lists is currently under way. This process commenced with an eight-week open public consultation, which closed on 19 September and attracted the highest number of submissions of any review to date. Submissions were received from employers, representative bodies, trade unions, education providers and individuals across a broad range of sectors.
Since the close of the consultation, my Department has worked with the relevant lead Departments to examine the labour-market evidence, sectoral insights and wider whole-of-government considerations, including impacts on housing delivery, infrastructure, education and healthcare. The Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group convened in December to review this evidence and consider the cross-government perspectives required to finalise the Lists.
This review is now in its final stages. My Department is working through the concluding elements of the assessment, and I expect to publish the updated occupation lists in the coming weeks.
I remain committed to ensuring that Ireland’s employment permits system continues to be responsive, fair, and firmly grounded in evidence, supporting both our economic needs and our broader social and infrastructural priorities.
