Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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240. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when additional categories will be added to the scheme for work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53879/19]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Employment Permit 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 and involves consideration of the research undertaken by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (Solas), the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the National Skills Council, and input by relevant Government Departments in addition to the public consultation phase.  Submissions to the review process are also considered by the Economic Migration Policy Interdepartmental Group chaired by my Department .

The second review of 2019 has just been completed.  Thirty four submissions were received from a range of employers, employer representative bodies and NGOs.  The submissions, the views of relevant Government Departments and Offices/Agencies have input into the review and the recommendations have been considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy.

I have very recently received the report of the review, I intend to make an announcement on the outcome of the review in the coming days.