Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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My colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation recognises the fact that there are pressures in the labour market and has asked her Department to review the policies underpinning the current employment permits system. The report of the review group is due shortly. Following on from this Report, it is expected that a review of the ineligible and eligible list of occupations for employment permits will be conducted in the second half of this year.

To remove a skill from the ineligible list, it must be demonstrated that recruitment difficulties are due to shortages and not to factors such as pay and/or working conditions. It is important therefore that a detailed business case, which sets out the necessary data and evidence to justify the need for the nursing home sector to go outside the EEA to find workers, is provided.

I have indicated my willingness to work with the Nursing Home industry on this matter so that the Department of Health, as the lead Department for the sector, can in turn make the case to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

Officials from my Department have also agreed to meet with Nursing Homes Ireland, along with officials from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. A date will be agreed shortly.