David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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255. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the situation with respect to the issuing of employment permits for dairy farm assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24019/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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In December 2022, changes to the employment permits system were introduced which made the role of Dairy Farm Assistants eligible for General Employment Permits subject to a quota of 500 permits. This change was made in order to help address skills shortages in Ireland’s Dairy Sector. It followed constructive engagement between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

In order to be eligible for a General Employment Permit in respect of a Dairy Farm Assistant role it is necessary for the applicant to carry out a Labour Market Needs Test prior to submitting the application. There are currently 423 General Employment Permits remaining of the quota of 500. Once this quota is filled there will be no further permits issued in respect of this occupation.

Details on how to apply for an employment permit can be found through the following link: General Employment Permit - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie) . A check list in respect of a Dairy Farm assistants can be found on the Department website through the following link: Employment Permits Checklists - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)