Ms Fiona Ward:

That would be no problem. The system is underpinned by two occupation lists. The critical skills occupation list, which I mentioned, is a list of occupations in respect of which we know there is a shortage in the State. There is also the ineligible occupations list. In respect of the latter, evidence suggests the resources are available in Ireland and across the rest of the EU to fill the vacancies.

We review the lists twice per year. There is a review ongoing. A review involves an evidence-based process. We examine research undertaken by the skills and labour market research unit in Solas and the expert group on future skills needs, which falls under the remit of my Department, and we refer to the National Skills Bulletin and the Vacancy Overview report. There is a public consultation process. We seek public submissions to the review. We also engage with the relevant Departments that look after the various sectors-----