Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We have implemented a huge modernisation of the permit system here in recent times. As I said earlier, it was launched in April of this year and, as part of that, we engaged extensively with business representatives and trusted partners. We went out most recently with a consultation process on the updated occupation list. We have also enhanced our learning and engagement to ensure that when employers are looking to make an application, they have the learning and the engagement, so they can get it right first time. That is really important. As part of that digital transformation, it is critical that we get the single application process in place, that we get the employment permits along with the visa application, and that the immigration process is streamlined under the single permit directive. We are very much working together with officials in exploring ways we can expedite the visa process for critical skills. It is really important. The economy is still going strong and there are labour shortages in certain sectors. We need to address that. The next phase of this is to have the single online process in place by 2027.

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