The last review of the occupations lists took place in 2023, and resulted in 11 additional roles being placed on the critical skills occupations List, and 32 roles being made eligible for a general employment permit.

Stakeholders have been invited to provide additional information and potentially different perspectives on the nature and extent of skill shortages.

Submissions will be accepted through an online consultation form from 23 July to 19 September.

Peter Burke, the minister for enterprise, tourism and employment, said: “I am delighted to launch this next review of the eligible occupations for employment permits.

“At a time of full employment, with over 2.81 million people at work, and with 90,000 new jobs created in the last year, it is vital that we continue to have a strong and flexible employment permits system to allow non-EEA nationals to fill the skill and labour gaps we cannot access in Ireland or Europe and to ensure our economy remains competitive.

““As demonstrated by the changes made to the employment permit system over the last year, the system is responsive to the needs of the sectors and industries it serves. This full review will allow us to ensure the system remains up-to-date in a way that serves both workers and employers.”

Alan Dillon, minister of state for small business, retail and employment, added: “Our economic migration policy accommodates the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps in the domestic economy in the short to medium term. These workers are a vital part of the Irish economy.

“My department’s reviews of the system promote an integrated approach to address these labour market deficiencies in the longer term and ensure we can continue to meet our labour needs.

“Where employers or stakeholders are facing challenges in recruiting a specific occupation and believe it should be eligible for an employment permit, or believe a certain occupation should move onto the critical skills list, now is their opportunity to share this feedback.

“With the consultation running over the summer period, there is plenty of time for interested employers and sectors who use the employment permits system to provide their feedback. Employer’s observations are vital in helping inform the department on how the list system is operating and where it can be improved.”