Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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154. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider mainstreaming the criteria required between the various Departments involved when bringing a HGV driver from an non-EU country and so reducing the wait time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27853/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware of the ongoing challenges in the haulage sector and has taken measures to support the industry. Most recently, in April 2025, the quota for HGV/Bus Mechanics was extended by 200 permits in direct response to identified labour shortages.

Ireland’s economic migration policy prioritises sourcing labour from within the State and the EEA. Where persistent shortages exist, the employment permits system allows for the recruitment of suitably qualified non-EEA nationals. The Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) is one of the criteria used in the employment permits legislation to ensure that job vacancies are first offered to nationals of Ireland, the EEA, the UK or the Swiss Confederation. It underpins the Government’s employment creation objectives by ensuring employment opportunities are accessible to those already in the local and EEA labour markets by requiring that the vacancy is advertised for at least 28 days. If no suitably qualified candidate can be found within Ireland/the EEA, the employer can then apply for an employment permit. Advertising through the Department of Social Protection's JobsIreland platform and the EURES network ensures broad and fair visibility of vacancies.

The Employment Permits Act 2024 amended the LMNT process making it easier for employers to place vacancy advertisements. The Act eliminates the need for hard copy newspaper advertisements and allows online employment website postings to be submitted as part of the employment permit application criteria.

The requirement for an LMNT to be conducted before an application is submitted applies to the General Employment Permit, the Seasonal Employment Permit, and the Contract for Services Employment Permit for eligible roles across all sectors. Once the Labour Market Needs Test has been completed, General Employment Permit applications are typically processed within 10 days.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) sets out the applicable standards and determines eligibility for driving licence exchange. Recently, an issue has arisen regarding data sharing between my Department and the RSA for the purpose of verifying non-EEA driving licences to facilitate work permit applications for HGV drivers. An early resolution to this issue is being prioritised to enable the timely issue of employment permits.

Visas and residence cards are a matter for the Department of Justice. PPS numbers are a matter for the Department of Social Protection.

It is important to note that the employment permits regime is intended as one part of a broader strategy to address skills deficits. It is not a replacement for, nor an alternative to, the critical work of upskilling the domestic workforce to meet future labour demands.