Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
278. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a critical skills visa application (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure that it is processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31541/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the administration of the Employment Permits System under the Employment Permits Act 2024. Applications for employment permits, including Critical Skills Employment Permits, are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the statutory criteria set out in legislation.
I am advised that an application relating to the individual referenced was fully examined and that a decision to refuse the application has issued. The applicant was notified directly of that decision.
In this case, the application did not meet the statutory requirements for the grant of an employment permit. The refusal arose for a number of reasons, including deficiencies in the manner in which the vacancy was advertised, which did not comply with the requirements set out in Regulation 9(6) of the Employment Permits Regulations 2024. In accordance with section 23(3) of the Employment Permits Act 2024, an employment permit cannot issue where the advertising requirements have not been satisfied.
In addition, the information submitted indicated that the foreign national concerned was engaged in employment in the State without holding an employment permit or a specific permission from the Minister for Justice permitting employment without the requirement for a permit. Employment without the appropriate permit or permission constitutes an offence under the Employment Permits Act 2024. In such circumstances, sections 33(1)(j) and 33(1)(k) of the Act preclude the grant of an employment permit.
All employment permit applications are processed in line with the relevant legislative requirements, and decisions are made on the basis of the information provided at the time of application. Where an application does not meet the statutory criteria, it cannot be approved.
My Department continues to process employment permit applications as efficiently as possible, while ensuring that the integrity of the employment permits system and compliance with the legislation is maintained.
Our self-service portal provides real-time information on an employment permit application status. A dedicated mailbox for Oireachtas members is also available at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie.
