Dáil debates

Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Work Permits Eligibility

5:40 pm

Photo of Martin HeydonMartin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response and acknowledge the changes, particularly in the construction and road haulage sectors, areas that are critical in logistics to the broader roll-out of business around the country.

I raise with the Minister another area where there is a significant skills shortage, namely, the breeding and the training sectors in the equine industry and it is the very specific role of skilled work-riders. The equine industry is worth close to €2 billion to the overall economy. It provides 16,000 jobs throughout the length and breadth of this country, many of which are in rural areas where there is not any alternative.

Through Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, I am aware the industry is making a strong case through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to be moved off the ineligible list in light of the difficulty in accessing work-riders across the EU. When one considers the spin-off jobs from the equine industry, including veterinary, horse laundries, transportation, grooms and stable hands, which as I said, are spread throughout the country, it is a key area on which I hope we can see progress. Can the Minister outline when the Department will next look at a new round of sectors or when sectors will have an opportunity to apply again?

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