Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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.

Since January 2021 nearly 22,000 first-time applications and renewal applications have been received by the Labour Market Access Unit of my Department and nearly 20,000 have been granted.

The immigration services of my Department utilise the resources available in order to ensure that applications are processed in the shortest timeframe possible.

A significant increase in the number of applications has been experienced during 2023, reflecting the increase of overall applications for international protection received since 2022. I can assure the Deputy that the unit in question is working hard to finalise applications as quickly as possible and appreciate customers’ patience as they deal with the very high levels of applications they are currently receiving. My Department is also reviewing the processing arrangements generally to establish if they can be further streamlined.