Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
452. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide guidance to an employment permit holder in relation to a query relating to their place of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37615/26]
View answerThe Employment Permits system is operated by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Permits Act 2024. The Act sets out the legislative framework governing the operation of the employment permits regime, including the criteria and conditions attaching to the granting of permits.
The Employment Permits Unit has informed me that the person referred to in the details supplied held a Critical Skills Employment Permit. Under the legislation, an employment permit is granted in respect of a named employer. Where a change occurs to that employer – including a change of legal entity name arising from a corporate restructuring, sale, or transfer of undertakings (TUPE) – the Department must be formally notified so that the permit record can be updated accordingly. This information is clearly set out in the information provided to the applicant when the permit issues and is also set out on the Department's website.
In this case, it appears that the individual’s employer underwent a change of name and/or ownership which was not notified to the Department at the time. As a result, the employer named on the permit no longer aligns with the current employing entity, which has implications in the context of immigration permission administered by the Department of Justice.
To rectify the situation, the employer is required to complete and submit a “Notification of Change of Name of Employer” form to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Upon receipt, the Department will examine the circumstances and, where appropriate, update the employment permit record as a priority.
The employer and the permit holder should engage directly with the Department to ensure that all necessary information and documentation are provided so that the matter can be progressed as quickly as possible.
Separately, the individual should contact the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to ensure that their immigration status is in order. They may need to regularise their position to ensure compliance with the employment permits system while the change is being processed.
Matters relating to immigration permission, including Stamp 4 applications and family reunification, are the responsibility of the Department of Justice. However, my Department will, where appropriate, assist in clarifying any employment permit-related issues which may arise in that context.
The individual concerned may contact the Employment Permits Unit directly at employmentpermits@enterprise.gov.ie to facilitate the resolution of this matter.
