Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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95. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review of the changes since 2018 in labour market access permission for international protection applicants; the status of the accompanying qualitative study undertaken by his Department on the experiences of international protection applicants in accessing the labour market; the timeline for the publication of the final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17288/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since its introduction in June 2018, under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230 of 2018), the labour market access permission issued by my Department has had a very positive impact for international protection applicants and employers alike. Over 13,000 first labour market access permissions have been granted to date. 

This permission gives eligible applicants the opportunity to work and helps them to integrate into Irish society while providing for themselves and their families outside of the State’s directly provided services and supports. It also helps people to plan and prepare for their future in Ireland if they receive a positive decision on their application for international protection.

The Regulations provide access to both employment and self-employment for any applicant who has not received a first instance decision within six months of making their international protection application, provided that this situation cannot be attributed to the applicant.

The European Communities (Reception Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 52 of 2021) reduced the waiting period for labour market access for international protection applicants to 6 months and extended the validity of a labour market access permission to 12 months, with effect from 9 February 2021. 

My Department has undertaken a qualitative study of the experiences of international protection applicants in accessing the labour market, which will inform the quantitative element of the overall study, with a view to publishing the final report in due course.

A target to complete this Report in the first half of the year is included in Justice Plan 2023.