Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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161. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a general employment permit renewal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66627/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Employment Permits Section of my Department continues to operate with a strong focus on efficiency and improving overall processing timelines.

The renewal application referred to was received on 31 October 2025. At present, the Section is processing renewal applications received up to 8 August 2025.

The Employment Permits Section does not prioritise the processing of renewal applications, instead focusing on first-time employment permit applications to facilitate new entrants to the labour market. Applicants who have submitted a valid renewal application may continue working in their current role while a decision is pending, even if their existing permit has expired. This provision ensures continuity of employment during the renewal process.

To support applicants and employers, the Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which provides real-time updates on application status. In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available for Oireachtas members at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie.

My Department remains committed to allocating resources where they are most needed and to improving processing times for all applicants