John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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748. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if plans are in place to increase the number of work permits for HGV mechanics beyond the quota of 200, which has already been reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21219/25]

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 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, 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.

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 Permits (GEPs) for the role of HGV/bus mechanic with an initial 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.

That quota expired on 28th February 2025. Following further 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 inform the Deputy that the quota for HGV/Bus Mechanics was extended by 200 GEPs effective from Monday 7th April. From that date, applications for GEPs in these occupations will be accepted, subject to the availability of the quota and other requirements.

John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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749. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits for HGV mechanics have been refused since the quota of 200 has been reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21220/25]