Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

356. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if all permits (details supplied) have been allocated for 2018; her plans to increase the number available to the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37306/18]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

From 3 April 2017, I approved changes to the Employment Permit Regulations to remove the occupation of Heavy Good Vehicle Driver from the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). This change gives provision for the grant of an employment permit to those who meet the criteria and who are in possession of a valid CE or C1E driving license (or equivalent CE or C1E driving license identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction). A quota of 120 employment permits is provided for in this occupational category. This quota is currently open and will continue to be open to grant an employment permit to eligible applicants until it is exhausted.

Currently, 34 General Employment Permits have issued to eligible HGV drivers, leaving 86 in the quota. I have no plans to extend the quota at this time as permits are available.