James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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687. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to examine issues with the States labour market access permission system for asylum seekers outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51469/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Labour market access permission gives eligible international protection applicants the opportunity to work and helps them to integrate into Irish society while providing for themselves and their families outside of the State’s directly provided services and supports. It also helps people to plan and prepare for their future in Ireland if they receive a positive decision on their application for international protection.

Under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230 of 2018), people are eligible to apply for labour market access permission if:

* They are an international protection applicant; and

* They have waited at least 5 months from their “Application Received” date for their first instance recommendation; and

* They are cooperating with the international protection process – delays in receiving a recommendation must not be attributable to the applicant.

Following that, a person will be issued a permission for labour market access if, at 6 months, they have not yet received a first instance recommendation. This permission is valid for 12 months and may be renewed until a final decision is made on the person's international protection application.

The Deputy may also wish to know that under the EU Migration and Asylum Pact which comes into force in June 2026, the 2024/1346 Reception Conditions Directive requires that international protection applicants are given access to the labour market at 6 months unless a first instance decision has been made on their international protection case.

It is my belief that implementing a firmer and more efficient migration system is a key element in reducing the numbers coming to Ireland to seek international protection, particularly where individuals are unlikely to be entitled to that protection. I have no plans at this time to allow those who have received a negative first decision within six months access to the labour market.