Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permit applications for the homecare sector received since the scheme opened in January 2023; the number of work permits issued; the number of work permits in processing; the number of work permit applications rejected; the number of work permits renewed and the number surrendered to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50823/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The employment permit scheme for the homecare sector was launched in January 2023, with an initial allocation of 1,000 General Employment Permits for care workers and home carers.

In March 2025, in response to ongoing labour shortages, my department approved an additional 1,000 permits, bringing the total quota available to 2,000.

Since the opening of the quota for the Homecare Sector in January 2023, the following data applies to applications referencing Standard Occupational Classification code 6145 (homecare worker):

New Employment Permits Issued: 1,627

Renewals Issued: 131

Applications Currently Awaiting Processing: 126

Applications Rejected: 252

Applications Cancelled by the Applicant or Employer: 88

My department remains committed to supporting the Homecare Sector through the employment permit system and continues to facilitate access for skilled workers to be employed in sectors experiencing recruitment challenges.