Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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78. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to "examine ways to facilitate people who are on work permits to move jobs more easily and legally, while protecting the integrity of the immigration system”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24894/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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A well-functioning labour market and good working conditions are essential components of sustainable and inclusive growth. As part of the efforts to maintain this, the Government operates a managed employment permits system which is highly responsive to labour market needs. I recognise the valuable role migrant workers play in Irish society, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare and ICT. 2024 saw significant progress in implementing changes to the employment permits system to address the commitments now set out in the Programme for Government.

The Employment Permits Act 2024 introduced several improvements to the employment permits system, making it more flexible. This includes the provision of a new change of employer process facilitating permit holders to move jobs more easily. Permit holders on the two main permit types can change to a new employer under their existing permit after a period of nine months has passed since commencing their first employment permit in the State. This has made it significantly easier for permit holders to seek more favourable working conditions and encourages employers to provide such conditions.

The change of employer option applies to the General Employment Permit and the Critical Skills Employment Permit. General Employment Permit holders can apply to change to a different employer for the same role they are already working in. For example, a meat processing operative must take up the same role. Critical Skills Employment Permit holders can change to another employer across a broader category of employments, for example, different engineering roles. Critical Skills Employment Permit holders have additional flexibility as their roles are identified on the Critical Skills Occupations List as being in high demand for sectors crucial to the functioning of society.

Exceptions to the 9-month timeframe are considered by my Department, in cases where the permit holder is experiencing employment rights violations.

The 2024 Act further ensures that employment permit holders have greater flexibility and the same access to job progression and recognition as their EEA colleagues by allowing for promotions and internal transfer within their existing permit. This reduces the administrative burden for companies and permit holders and reduces the risk of accidental non-compliance with employment permits legislation.

Officials from my Department will continue to monitor the employment permits system to ensure that it remains responsive to the needs of the labour market.