Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of permits for dairy farm assistants that have been processed in counties Cavan and Monaghan since the start of 2026; if the process can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13175/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new quota for Dairy Farm Assistants was introduced in December 2025, with 850 permits made available. This measure was announced to address workforce pressures in the agri-food sector ahead of the peak calving period.
Since the beginning of 2026, my Department has processed 135 employment permit applications for Dairy Farm Assistants. Of these, 121 permits have been issued. Approximately 51 applications are currently awaiting a decision, the majority of which are renewal applications.
With respect to Counties Cavan and Monaghan:
• Monaghan: 1 permit has been processed
• Cavan: 1 application has been processed, and 1 further application remains under consideration.
Following the introduction of the new quota, my Department has taken steps to ensure that applications in this sector are progressed efficiently. These measures are designed to support timely processing during a particularly busy period for dairy employers, while ensuring that applications are assessed in accordance with the legislation
My Department remains committed to processing all employment permit applications as efficiently as possible. While every effort is made to expedite decisions, processing times depend on the completeness and quality of documentation submitted, the overall volume of applications, and the need to ensure full compliance with the Employment Permits Acts. These safeguards are essential to ensuring fairness and consistency across all sectors.
