Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The occupation of Food Process Operative, which is the job category for workers involved in the preparation and manufacture of tofu, is currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, employment permits cannot be granted for this occupation.

The outcome of the most recent review of the occupations lists for employment permits was announced last December. The review comprised a public consultation which was held over the summer of 2023. The final recommendations announced in December included changes to 43 roles. Although a submission to the review was received from the tofu industry, the evidence provided was not deemed sufficient to merit its removal from the Ineligible Occupations List.

An occupation may be eligible for an employment permit where evidence supports that, for example, no suitable Irish/EEA nationals are available to undertake the work; development opportunities are not undermined; genuine skills shortages exist; and recruitment or retention issues are affected by factors other than salary and/or employment conditions.

The next Review of the Occupations Lists will again, by way of a public consultation, provide stakeholders with the opportunity to make an evidence-based submission to support the request to change an occupation’s eligibility status.