Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
298. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider adding dental nurses to the critical skills list for obtaining an employment permit in order to address staff shortages in dental care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40921/26]
View answer299. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider extending eligibility to dental nurses to apply for a general employment permit in order to address staff shortages in dental care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40922/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
Ireland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and ongoing skills shortages across the economy. The system is vacancy-led and is managed through the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List, both of which are reviewed on a regular basis by my Department.
The current review of the occupation lists commenced with an open public consultation, which closed on 19 September and attracted a wide range of submissions, including from stakeholders from the dental health sector. The role of Dental Nurse is not currently eligible for an employment permit however its eligibility was considered during the review process through engagement with the Department of Health - which has policy responsibility for the dental sector - and the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy.
My Department has worked in close cooperation with the Department of Health to ensure that the employment permits system is aligned with the national objective of meeting the health and dental service demands. This engagement is focused on evaluating current service level and availability and identifying alternative pathways aimed at contributing domestically to addressing any shortages of skilled candidates in all health services in addition to access through the employment permits system where justified.
In considering changes to the occupation lists, my Department assesses not only labour market evidence but also wider whole-of-Government factors. These include the potential impact of inward migration on housing demand, transport capacity, healthcare, and other public services.
I announced the outcome of this Review on Tuesday 26th May, giving approval for 32 changes to eligibility for roles for employment permits. The review report can be accessed on the Department's website at: Employment Permits Occupations Lists: Report of the Review 2025 (www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/employment-permits-occupations-lists-report-of-the-review-2025.html).
[]I remain committed to ensuring that the employment permits system continues to be responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with key national priorities including, importantly, the delivery of essential health and dental services.
