The Government has introduced
reforms to the work permit system to address skills shortages.
As part of the moves that came in yesterday, some occupations which previously were ineligible will now be able to seek work permits. These include telecommunications engineers, IT engineers, chiropractors who are members of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland, mobility instructors for the visually impaired and some meat boners.
The Department of Jobs said up to 200 general employment permits in respect of boners were being made available to eligible applicants to work in the meat sector.
This was to cater for demand for skilled boners in the industry.
“A maximum number of 200 general employment permits are provided for in these regulations, and the minimum annual remuneration for such positions is €27,500.”
The department also said that in response to changing skills needs in the medical sector, radiation therapists, orthotists and prosthetists were now deemed highly-skilled occupations.
However, it said healthcare practice managers and senior social services managers and directors were being removed from this list.
The department also said that some additions were being made to the list of occupations not considered eligible for work permits.
No shortages
“There is evidence that no shortages exist in the Irish labour market for a range of services managers such as betting shop managers, graphic design managers, library managers, plant-hire managers, production managers and property, housing and estate managers. The regulations add these occupations to the range of occupations that are not eligible for employment permits. This is also the case with dispensing opticians.”
A spokesman for Minster for Jobs and Enterprise Richard Bruton said that ensuring an adequate supply of skilled workers to fill key vacancies across the economy was a key objective of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs.
