Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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213. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he plans to announce the completion of the review of the occupations lists for employment permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51009/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are currently being revised as part of an evidence-based review which incorporates a public consultation to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages.

The deliberative process is ongoing at present with submissions to the review under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. The IDG was convened in late October to oversee the review, consider all evidence and submissions and to collect the observations from Government departments with regard to shortages and impacts in their sectors.

It is expected that a report will be finalised for my consideration by the end of the month following which any recommendations approved would be implementation through amendment to the Employment Permits regulations thereafter.

An announcement will be made and the revised lists of occupations for employment permits will be published on the Department's website.

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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214. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if dental hygienists will be included in the updated list of occupations for non-EEA work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51010/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are currently being revised as part of an evidence-based review which incorporates a public consultation to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages.

Submissions to the review are under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. The IDG consists of cross-departmental membership including the Department of Health, which has policy responsibility for the dental sector.

The IDG was convened in late October to oversee the review, consider evidence and submissions and to collect the observations from Government departments with regard to shortages and impacts in their sectors.

The role of Dental Hygienist is not currently listed on the Ineligible Occupations Lis and is therefore already eligible for an employment permit.

It is expected that a report will be finalised for my consideration by the end of the month.

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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215. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if dental nurses will be included in the updated list of occupations for non-EEA work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51011/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The occupations lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are currently being revised as part of an evidence-based review which incorporates a public consultation to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages.

Submissions to the review are under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. The IDG consists of cross-departmental membership including the Department of Health, which has policy responsibility for the dental sector.

The IDG was convened in late October to oversee the review, consider evidence and submissions and to collect the observations from Government departments with regard to shortages and impacts in their sectors.

The role of Dental Nurse is listed on the Ineligible Occupations List and is therefore not eligible for an employment permit at present. Over 100 submissions were received to the review covering a number of occupations in a range of sectors with one submission making reference to dental nurse.

It is expected that a report will be finalised for my consideration by the end of the month.