Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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581.To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 23 May 2024, for an update on plans to remove dental nurses from the ineligible occupation list; the engagement undertaken between his Department and an organisation (details supplied) in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33107/24]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously outlined, following engagement with the Department of Health - which has policy responsibility for the dental sector - the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy concluded that the Irish Dental Association's submission received to the 2023 review of the occupations lists did not contain sufficient evidence to support a change in the status of Dental Nurse in respect of its eligibility for employment permits.

Officials of my Department engaged with the organisation referred to earlier this year to provide advice on the employment permits legislation and system, and guidance on how to prepare a revised evidence-based submission on the case for a change in the status of dental nurse.

While a follow-up submission has yet to be received, I will instruct my officials to re-engage with the organisation to ensure any support required is provided.