Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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346. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employment permits issued in each of the past three years to non-EEA workers for roles in the motor industry with a specific EV or hybrid vehicle specialism; the average processing time for such permits; whether consideration has been given to placing EV technicians on the critical skills occupations list or to the introduction of an accelerated processing route, pending the development of domestic training capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29548/26]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Ireland operates a managed employment permits system designed to facilitate the admission of non-EEA and non-UK nationals to fill labour and skills shortages in the economy, while ensuring that opportunities continue to be available for Irish, EEA and UK nationals. The system is demand-led and employer-driven, with permits issued only where statutory criteria are met under the Employment Permits Act.

Employment permits are issued for specific job roles with a named employer and are subject to salary thresholds, labour market needs, and, where applicable, sector-specific conditions. In the case of regulated professions, including the motor industry, it is a requirement that permit holders must also comply with the relevant professional registration and regulatory requirements in order to lawfully take up employment in the State.

The current review of the occupations lists, which commenced in summer of last year is nearing completion. A report containing recommendations, including any changes to eligibility or the extension of existing quotas, can be expected shortly.

My Department, with the support of lead Departments such as the Department of Transport, continues to monitor labour market conditions closely, and eligible occupations are kept under review to ensure they remain responsive to verified labour market needs, while also safeguarding employment opportunities for the domestic and EEA workforce.

My Department does not record employment permit data by reference to specific vehicle technologies such as electric or hybrid vehicles, however employment permits are recorded by occupation.

Accordingly, the table provided sets out both the number of employment permits issued since 2024 to non-EEA nationals and the average processing times for relevant motor industry occupations, including HGV/Bus Mechanic, Car Mechanic, Motor Mechanic, Auto Electrician, and Motor Vehicle Technician. These roles may involve work on a range of vehicle types, including electric and hybrid vehicles, depending on the employer and the nature of the business.