Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I look forward to the Deputy's support in the implementation of this new system. It is reflective of the success of the Irish economy with over 2.8 million people currently employed. We have skills deficits in certain areas of expertise. Not just the general work permits but also the critical skills employment permits are essential to meet our future needs. The system has now been enhanced. Last year a record number of employment permits, over 38,000, were issued with the implementation of the online system and we want to enhance that further. I thank my predecessors, the Ministers of State, Deputies Higgins and Richmond, for their efforts in this regard. With trusted partners and employers we can certainly go further in order to implement an effective system.

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