Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, issuing visas and residence permits are the responsibility of my Department while the criteria and conditions for obtaining employment permits are set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Both Departments work closely together to ensure that Ireland's labour market migration arrangements are fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of Irish society and the economy generally.

The Government agreed in principle last year that a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions should be developed and established an Inter Departmental Working Group to develop an implementation plan for consideration by Government.

I can advise the Deputy that, over the course of last year, work has been underway to examine and reform the current system whereby separate applications have to be made for employment permits and immigration permissions. This reform is with a view to improving the user experience, enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting skilled migrant workers and aligning with EU standards.

Our Departments are currently finalising the report for Government, which outlines key steps that can be taken in the short, medium and long term. I hope to be able to bring this report to Government shortly.