Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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907. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of people currently, and in each of the past five years, holding a fast track work permit as part of the non-EU R&D personnel (hosting agreement) scheme, by country of origin, by sector of employment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25783/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Third Country Researchers Directive, Ireland offers a fast-track work permit, or a hosting agreement, for third-country researchers from countries outside of the European Economic Area (EEA).

The Third Country Researchers Directive allows researchers to carry out research projects with a recognised research organisation in Ireland using a permit that can last from three months to five years. This key service is of huge benefit to non-EEA researchers on contracts and their employers. By availing of a hosting agreement entry visas are fast tracked and researchers can work in Ireland without recourse to the usual work permit schemes.

Openness and international collaboration are essential components of a globally relevant research system. This hosting agreement scheme is one of the many ways my Department fosters an environment where excellent research is promoted and encouraged in this country.

The accreditation of eligible research organisations is undertaken by my Department with Euraxess Ireland, under the auspices of the Irish Universities Association, managing the operation of the hosting agreements on behalf of the Department.

Euraxess Ireland holds a database of active hosting agreements issued by the research organisations, which is directly linked to the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The data requested by the Deputy which is based on active permits is being complied and will be forwarded to the deputy.

In terms of overall activity, the total number of successful applications processed by year (inclusive of new and renewal applications) almost doubled in the four years from 2020 to 2024.