Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 May 2024
168. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has any concerns regarding the costs trajectory on business as a result of the proposed roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration thresholds for employment permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23261/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2023, my Department introduced a Roadmap, up to January 2026, for increasing the minimum annual thresholds for employment permits. The first adjustments were introduced on 17 January this year. The thresholds for most employment permits had not changed in almost a decade and were out of date, having not kept pace with wage inflation since 2014.
The purpose of the minimum salary increases is to ensure economic migrants have a sufficient means to live in Ireland given its high cost-of-living and to allow them to qualify for the minimum threshold for family reunification. It recognises the valuable contribution economic migrants make to this country.
It is important to stress that the purpose of the Employment Permits System is to assist economic growth by facilitating the filling of key skills gaps which cannot be filled from the domestic/EEA labour market, rather than facilitating access to cheap labour.
However, in recognition of the challenges businesses are facing with increasing costs, the implementation of further increases across the remainder of the Roadmap is under review and will be subject to ongoing stakeholder consultation with employers, employee advocacy groups and relevant Government Departments.
