Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
313. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on plans to amend the 50:50 Employment Permits Rule; if this will be progressed before the summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49779/26]
View answerThe Employment Permits Act 2024 requires that at least 50% of the employees of an employer to be Irish/EEA/UK/Swiss nationals. This policy fulfils Ireland's obligations under the Union Preference principles of membership of the EU. The mandatory application of the 50:50 rule underpins the Government’s employment creation strategy by compelling employers in the State to hire in a balanced manner from domestic and EEA labour markets.
Officials of my Department conducted a review of Ireland’s use of the 50:50 rule, the outcome of which recommended the creation of two new regulation-making powers in the Employment Permits Act 2024.
These powers will provide support for the Health and Social Care sector and the issues it faces in 50:50 compliance, while also allowing a future-looking option to change how the ratio counts certain subcategories of non-EEA workers.
Officials of my Department are actively developing the first stage of legislative requirements to implement changes to the 50:50 rule. Draft Heads for inclusion in a Bill that will give effect to the 50:50 changes have been commenced and are currently undergoing legal scrutiny. Given the 50:50 rule policy change was only recently approved by Government, the proposed Bill is expected to be on the Government Autumn Legislation Programme.
My Department remains committed to delivering these amendments and ensuring that the employment permits system continues to be responsive and aligned with key national priorities and changes in a dynamic labour market.
