Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

712. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of critical skills employment permits available in 2025 for paramedics; the number of which have been fulfilled; if no such permits are currently available, the timeframe in which his Department expects to announce a new allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19458/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 the policy 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 (CSOL), 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 role of paramedic, which falls under SOC Code 3213, is included on the CSOL and thus, applicants who are suitably qualified and registered with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) are eligible to apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP).

The CSEP is aimed at highly skilled professional roles identified as being in critical short supply in sectors such as medicine, finance, and IT. The vacancy must provide a contract of employment of at least two years. The minimum remuneration for the CSEP is at least €38,000 where the non-EEA national holds a relevant degree level qualification. Where the non-EEA national has relevant experience rather than a degree, an employer can apply for a CSEP where the vacancy attracts a salary of over €64,000.

As the role of paramedic is currently listed on the CSOL, there is no quota that limits the number of CSEPs my Department can issue. Applications for this role are unlimited subject to the applicant being eligible for the role. My Department has issued one CSEP to date in 2025 in respect of this role.