Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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423. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role international recruitment is expected to play in meeting the labour demands of Ireland’s housing programme; and if streamlined visa or recognition pathways are being considered for qualified tradespeople from abroad. [48569/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s chief contribution towards addressing our construction sector skills needs is through the facilitation of international recruitment of non-EEA construction workers through the employment permits system. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in turn have discretion with regard to the grant of visa permissions to enter the State on foot of an employment permit.

International recruitment includes both EEA and non-EEA recruitment. The employment permits system covers only the recruitment of non-EEA workers. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are best placed to comment on the attraction and retention of international labour (EEA or Non-EEA) to achieve the objectives of the national housing priorities.

My department has made comprehensive changes to the eligibility for employment permits in the construction sector since April 2019. As a result, most construction sector occupations, including those which are key to the delivery of Housing for All, Project Ireland 2040, and the National Retrofitting Programme, are eligible for an employment permit.

In 2024, the Department issued 1,523 employment permits for roles within the construction sector, an increase of 12.9 per cent on 2023 levels. To date this year, 1,345 permits have been issued for this sector.

More specifically, the roles eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit include Architect, Architectural Technologist, Civil Engineer, Construction Project Manager, Electrical Engineer, Façade Designer, Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers with BIM expertise, Quantity Surveyor, Setting out Engineer, Site Manager, and Structural/Site Engineer.

In addition, the roles eligible for a General Employment Permit include Architectural Technician, Bricklayer, Carpenter and Joiner, Civil and Structural Engineering Technician, Construction and Building Trades Supervisor, Construction Safety Manager, Construction Safety Officer, Crane Driver, Draughtsperson, Electrician, Floorer and Wall Tiler, Foreman, Furniture Makers and other Craft Woodworkers, Glazier, Window Fabricator and Fitter, Mason, Painter and Decorator, Plasterer, Plumber and Heating and Ventilating Engineer, Roofer, Roof Tiler and Slater, Scaffolder, Stager and Rigger, Sheet Metal Worker, Shuttering Carpenter, and Welding Trade.

The Occupations Lists are subject to periodic reviews incorporating a public consultation inviting evidence-based submissions from all sectors. I launched the current review in July with a closing date of this Friday 19th September. An evidence-based submission may be made to my Department for consideration seeking a change for any occupation not currently eligible, subject to requirements that apply to the permit type such as minimum remuneration and qualifications. Each review takes account of research undertaken by SOLAS's Skills and Labour Market Research Unit and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. Input is also invited from key policy departments including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage who have responsibility for the construction sector, and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in its role with regard to qualifications and recognition pathways.

More information on the Review can be found here: enterprise.gov.ie/en/consultations/public-consultation-review-of-occupations-lists-for-employment-permits.html

My department continues to operate an integrated approach to the delivery of economic migration policy and remains responsive to demonstrated skills needs across construction activities, through the timely and efficient operation of our employment permits system.