Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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170. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a pathway for employers to apply for a visa to employ a mechanic from outside the EEA in a situation in which the employer has tried extensively to recruit from within the EEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50157/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market.

The system is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps for the benefit of our economy, in the short to medium term, and is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine roles that are either in critical short supply or are ineligible for an employment permit.

The role of Vehicle Mechanic is on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, an employment permit cannot be granted for this occupation.

The Occupations Lists undergo periodic review and a public/stakeholder consultation. My Department chairs the Interdepartmental Group to oversee the review process which includes membership drawn from senior officials of key departments including the Department of Transport who have policy responsibility for this sector.

The aim of the Group is to promote an integrated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages being experienced in the economy and is guided by relevant research. This includes assessing proposals received through the public consultation for changes to the Occupations Lists.

The Department continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances and the timing of the next Review of the Occupational Lists will be kept under consideration.