Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The employment permits system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible Occupations List for the purposes of granting an employment permit.  The Lists are subject to twice-yearly review which is predicated on a formalised and evidence-based process that takes account of labour market conditions and submissions from sectors and other stakeholders.

Following completion of the most recent review, I introduced a number of changes to the Occupations Lists which will come into effect from 22nd April.  The changes include a number of occupations in the construction, the sports sector plus a change made for the transport sector in the context of Brexit. 

The following occupations will be added to the Critical Skills Occupations List and will be eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit:

- Civil Engineers

- Quantity Surveyors

- Construction Project Managers

- Mechanical and Electrical Engineers with BIM expertise

- High Performance Directors and Coaches for high-level sports organisations.

In addition, the following occupations will be removed from the Ineligible Occupations List and will be eligible for a General Employment Permit:

- Sheet metal workers

- Welding trades

- Pipefitters

- Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineers

- Shuttering Carpenters

- Glaziers, window fabricators & fitters

-Scaffolders, stagers & riggers

- Crane drivers

- Transport and Distribution Clerks and Assistants (Freight Forwarders; Cargo & Freight Agents; Brokerage Clerks) subject to a quota of 300

- Plasterers subject to a quota of 250

- Bricklayers subject to a quota of 250

A number of additional technical changes are also included such as to provide for the introduction of the Revenue Commissioners PAYE Modernisation Initiative, amendments to the criteria for Chef Employment Permits and the exemption of Career Guidance Teachers from the Ineligible Occupations List allowing secondary schools access career guidance teachers through the employment permits system where shortages exist.