Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the points being made by the Deputies and those points are well known. I thank them for raising them. As I previously indicated, to add or remove an occupation from the list, evidence is sought demonstrating that recruitment difficulties are solely due to genuine shortages within Ireland and across the EEA and not due to other factors such as salary or employment conditions. It is a shortage of the particular skill that is relevant and not about the pay that is available here or the adequacy or inadequacy of the pay rates. Sectors are also required to engage structurally with the public employment service in the Department of Social Protection. This goes without saying in any event and the Deputies will know that. The interdepartmental group on economic migration policy met in recent days, on 26 October, to oversee the review process and analyse the submissions received and evidence available. A report with recommendations for the consideration of the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, is expected by the end of this month, literally in the coming weeks. The areas we have spoken about relating to bus mechanics are under detailed consideration in view of the number of submissions received on that topic.

The submissions about HGV and bus mechanics are being included in those specific deliberations. I know I do not have an exact time, but I am saying confidently that the recommendations will be with the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, in the coming weeks before the end of this month.

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