Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s employment permits system operates to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting the labour market. It facilitates the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the short to medium term but balanced to ensure there are no suitably qualified EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is genuine.

The system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations lists, which, respectively, prioritise specified in-demand highly skilled roles and identify occupations for which a labour supply should be available in the EEA. The Department reviews the occupations lists periodically working with other Government Departments to promote an integrated approach to address labour and skills shortages in the longer term. The reviews are guided by relevant research and a public/stakeholder consultation, and the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group which includes representatives of key policy Departments are taken into account.

The timing of the next review is under consideration in light of changing labour market circumstances. Submissions will be invited from sector representative bodies and interested parties via the Public Consultation Form which will be accessible on the Department’s website throughout the consultation period when the next Review of the Occupational Lists commences.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that the request for a Stamp 4 Letter of Support was granted on 16^thSeptember and that this has been communicated to the applicant.