Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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196. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how many applicants and how many permits were granted of the 1,500 critical skills employment permits introduced on 16 December 2022 for the role of bus and coach drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28969/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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In December 2022, changes to the employment permits system were announced to help address the skills shortages in Ireland’s Transport sector. These changes included the introduction of a quota of 1,500 General Employment Permits, not Critical Skills Employment Permits as referenced in the Deputy's question.

As of 13^thJune 2023, there were a total of 94 general employment permit applications received for the role of bus and coach drivers. Of these 81 have been issued,1 application was refused,1 application was withdrawn, and 4 applications were returned. There are currently 2 new applications awaiting processing and 5 new applications awaiting the payment of the fee due.

My Department continues to actively respond to the concerns raised by various sectors with regard to the critical short supply of skills in a number of roles crucial to the economy.