Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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251. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) can expect a response regarding a general employment permit renewal application. [51075/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Ireland operates a managed employment permits system which is designed to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting the Irish labour market.

My Department is committed to the efficient processing of employment permit applications and to maintaining a system that remains responsive to Ireland’s evolving labour market needs

Individuals who have submitted a valid renewal application for an employment permit may continue to work in their current role while a decision is pending, even if their existing permit has expired. This provision ensures continuity of employment and mitigates the risk of disruption during the renewal process.

In view of this provision, my Department does not prioritise the processing of renewal applications, instead focusing on first-time employment permit applications to facilitate new entrants to the labour market. Expedited processing of renewal applications is only considered in exceptional circumstances—for example, where the individual must leave the State and the absence of a new employment permit may affect their immigration status upon return.

In the case referenced, the application was received by my Department on the 7th of August 2025. While the delay, as a result of the technical error encountered, is regrettable, it does not affect the individual’s ability to continue working while their renewal application is being processed.

As of today, my Department is processing renewal applications received on 14 July 2025. All applications are reviewed and processed in order of receipt, and Ms Melo’s application will be considered in due course.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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252. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the appropriate routes for Palestinians in Gaza to acquire employment permits in Ireland, which might enable the granting of a visa and subsequent evacuation from the region (details supplied); for details of any efforts his Department is making to connect Palestinians in Gaza with potential employers in Ireland; and for any guidance he might issue to Oireachtas members for connecting Palestinians in Gaza with potential employers in Ireland. [51095/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Employment Permits system is designed to be accessible to all non-EEA nationals, regardless of nationality, provided that the standard legislative requirements are met. These requirements include that the role in question is eligible under current policy, that a valid job offer has been secured from a prospective employer in the State, and that the application satisfies the relevant criteria set out under the Employment Permits Act 2024 and the Employment Permit Regulations 2024.

It is important to note that the granting of visas is a matter for the Minister for Justice, while matters relating to evacuation and consular support fall under the remit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. My Department’s role is confined to the processing of employment permit applications in accordance with established legislation and guidelines.

My Department does not operate any nationality-based restrictions on employment permit applications. Applications from Palestinian nationals are treated in the same manner as applications from any other non-EEA nationals, and will be processed fairly and efficiently, subject to the established criteria being met.