John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of critical skills employment permits approved in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50838/25]

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. By facilitating access to skilled talent from outside the European Economic Area, the Department aims to help companies address critical skills shortages, drive economic growth, and maintain Ireland’s competitiveness in key sectors.

The number of Critical Skills Employment Permits granted in 2024 and to present day for 2025 are as follows:

2024: 17,168 permits issued

2025 to date: 7,522 permits issued

Current processing dates for employment permits are published regularly on the department's website.