Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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402. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the application process for employment permits will reopen now that the quota has been met, considering that companies have stress tested the Irish market with no success prior to making these permit applications and are at a loss now as to how to fill these vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16543/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Ireland operates a managed, vacancy-led employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. This approach complements thepolicy objective of Government to upskill the resident population at all levels. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the European Economic Area (EEA), and where the recruitment for such skills may benefit the State’s economic or social development, the employment permits system enables Ireland to supplement our domestic skills and labour supply by permitting the recruitment of nationals from outside Ireland and the EEA.

The employment permits system is managed through the operation of two Occupations Lists: the Critical Skills Occupations List, which identifies critical occupations for which there is a shortage in the EEA and the Ineligible Occupations List, which identifies occupations for which there is a sufficient labour pool within the EEA. The Occupations Lists undergo periodic evidence-based reviews which involve a public/stakeholder consultation. These reviews are informed by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit and 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.

I understand the Deputy's question refers specifically to the role of HGV/bus mechanic, which is subject to a quota. My department has been aware of difficulties experienced by employers in the motor industry in recent years and received submissions regarding this to the 2023 Review of the Occupations List. To assist the sector, it was decided to grant access to General Employment Permitsto the role of HGV/bus mechanic under a quota of 200 permits. The quota system is designed to sustainably integrate this new source of workers into the labour market and to test the labour market needs. This quota expired on 28th February 2025.

Following consultation with the Department of Transport, it was decided to increase the quotas available for certain skilled occupations in the vehicle maintenance and repair sector, including the role of HGV/Bus Mechanic. I am pleased to announce that, under the Employment Permits (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025, the quota for HGV/Bus Mechanics has been extended by 200 general employment permits effective from Monday 7th April. From this date, applications for General Employment Permits in these occupations will be accepted, subject to the availability of quotas and other requirements.