Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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506. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will review the highly skilled occupations list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37455/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Occupations included on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) for an employment permit are those which are deemed to be critically important to growing Ireland’s economy, are highly demanded and highly skilled, and are currently in short supply in our labour market. These occupations range across all sectors of the economy.

In the Action Plan for Jobs a commitment was given to align and update the employment permits regime on an on-going basis with Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) findings, industry feedback and labour market trends.

And so in order to ensure the HSEOL is aligned with labour market requirements in respect of skills that are considered strategically important, a formalised evidence-based review process has been established. Such a process, which will be conducted bi-annually, will draw, in the first instance, on advice from the EGFSN. Inputs from relevant Government Departments, Agencies and industry will also be taken into consideration.

The HSEOL was last reviewed and updated in April of this year to take account of emerging skills shortages, especially in the ICT sector. A further review of the HSEOL is currently underway and I anticipate it will be concluded in October.