Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s employment permits system 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.

These lists undergo periodic evidence-based reviews guided by relevant research, a public/stakeholder consultation and the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group and relevant policy Departments including the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

The construction sector was the subject of reviews in recent year, with a significant number of occupations added to the Critical Skills Occupations List and others removed from the Ineligible Occupations List.

The occupations of Carpenter and Joiner are eligible for the General Employment Permit since October 2021, and where the vacancy offers remuneration of over €64,000, an application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit may be considered. These changes were made in recognition of the challenges faced by the sector and strong evidence of continued labour shortages with the result being that almost all roles in the construction sector are now eligible for employment permits.

The Department continues to keep the employment permits system under review in light of changing labour market circumstances.