Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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106. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a work permit for a person (details supplied) given the urgency outlined in correspondence from the nursing home that is experiencing staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61431/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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On 14 June 2021, following a review of the employment permit occupation lists, changes to the employment permit system were announced, to address skills and labour shortages in the healthcare and nursing home sector. Following this review the occupation of Nursing Auxiliary or Assistant (Health Care Assistant) in hospital/nursing home settings became eligible for an employment permit from that date.

The grade of Nursing Auxiliary or Assistant (Health Care Assistant) in Hospital/Nursing Home Settings was removed from the ineligible occupation list within the following framework:

Attainment of a relevant QQI Level 5 qualification after 2 years employment in the State

A minimum remuneration threshold of salary of at least €27,000 for a 39 hour working week.

The framework will be reviewed after twelve months to ensure that the changes announced in June 2021 meet the needs of the sector.

The Employment Permits Section of the Department inform me that all five applications for Health Care Assistants referred to in the details supplied were received on dates between 15-20 October 2021. However on 10th December 2021 all of the applications were refused for a number of reasons.

The applicant has been notified by email of the refusal reasons and of the right to request a review of the decision within 28 days of issue of the refusal decision.

A comprehensive suite of information is available on my Department's website regarding employment permits and a FAQ document which answers the majority of the most common questions is available via the following link - dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/

Regarding the recruitment of three nurses also referred to in the details supplied. If a positive decision is received from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland regarding their work status their Employment Permit applications should be submitted as soon as possible.