Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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521. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to examine the case for increasing the heavy goods vehicle/bus permit limit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11191/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Ireland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. Economic migration is intended to complement the primary policy objective of Government, namely, the upskilling of the resident population at all levels. However, where specific skills prove difficult to source within the European Economic Area (EEA), and where such recruitment may benefit the State’s economic or social development, the employment permits system enables us to supplement our domestic skills and labour supply by allowing the recruitment of nationals from outside Ireland and the EEA.

The employment permits system is vacancy-led and managed through the operation of the Occupations Lists: the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL). The CSOL identifies occupations for which there is a shortage in respect of qualifications, experience or skills which are required for the proper functioning of the economy, while the IOL identifies occupations for which there is a sufficient labour pool within the EEA.

The Occupations Lists undergo periodic evidence-based reviews involving a public/stakeholder consultation and are informed by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Policy Interdepartmental Group which is chaired by my department and includes representatives from a number of relevant policy departments. Outside of the formal review process, my department accepts submissions for amendments to the Occupations Lists at any time, with support from the relevant department with policy responsibility.

The 2023 Review of the Occupations Lists delivered significant changes to the employment permits system effective from 2024. In recognition of the recruitment challenges faced by the transport and supply chain sectors, a number of new quotas were introduced for occupations such as HGV and bus mechanics and bus and coach drivers, making them eligible for the General Employment Permit (GEP).

The role of coach and bus driver is subject to a quota of 1500 GEPs with over 1000 remaining available. The quota restriction of 200 GEPs for HGV/bus mechanics has been reached with no further permits available at present.

The role of HGV driver is currently eligible for the GEP without any quota restriction applying.

Typically quotas are not automatically extended without further engagement and evidence from a sector. However, my department closely monitors the employment permits system in order to respond to changing labour market circumstances. My Department maintains contact with relevant policy departments and other stakeholders to address particular challenges as they arise, and as such has been in touch with the Department of Transport regarding the expiry of this quota. Should the transport sector wish to make a submission to adjust the current criteria for these roles with support from the Department of Transport, my department will carefully consider any such submission.

I can also advise that the next formal review of the Occupations Lists is planned for later this year.