Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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2. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the basis on which critical skills are added to or removed from the critical skills occupations list; the last time this list was amended; the next time it is intended to be amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55720/22]

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 managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for an employment permit where there is a surplus of those skills in the domestic and EEA labour market.  

In order to maintain the relevance of the lists to the needs of the economy and to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo evidence-based reviews which are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) of my Department, SOLAS and by a public consultation.  

Account is taken of education outputs, sectoral upskilling and training initiatives and known contextual and their impact on the labour market. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by my Department and of the relevant policy Departments represented on the IDG.  

In order to have an occupation considered for adding to or removal from the Occupations Lists, evidence is sought demonstrating that recruitment difficulties are due to shortages across the EEA and not to other factors such as salary and/or employment conditions. Sectors are also required to demonstrate structural engagement with the public employment service of the Department of Social Protection.  

The most recent full review concluded on 27th October 2021. The Department continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances. Outside of the full review process the Department continues to be in contact with other relevant policy departments to address particular challenges as they arise. The timing of the next Review of the Occupational Lists is being kept under consideration.