Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the past year, following a review, my Department has implemented changes to the critical skills occupation list, ineligible list of occupants and current salary thresholds for both the general employment permits and the critical skills employment permits. The employment permit section of my Department is also undertaking a range of activities to improve efficiency. That includes the introduction of pre-screening for the general employment permit applications across a small number of key mandatory criteria to ensure compliance with the requirements. The introduction of video guides for applicants and a new system to refund fees electronically are among the measures introduced. The Department will soon introduce a new online employment permit system with the aim of delivering further efficiencies and an improved customer experience. This will benefit hauliers and the people about whom the Deputy is speaking today.

I did meet with the Irish Road Haulage Association last week or the week before. We had a very constructive engagement. I have asked it to follow up in detail in writing to me.

See this speech in context