452. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider the inclusion of skilled trades occupations on the critical skills occupations list, including but not limited to plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and bricklayers, given the well-documented shortages in these professions and their importance in supporting housing delivery and infrastructure development. [14558/26]

Ireland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and ongoing skills shortages across the economy. The system is vacancy-led and is managed through the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List, both of which are reviewed on a regular basis by my Department.

A new review of the occupation lists is currently under way. This review commenced with an open public consultation, which closed on 19 September and attracted a wide range of submissions, including from stakeholders in the construction and built-environment sectors. I would note that previous reviews have already resulted in a significant number of construction-related roles becoming eligible for employment permits, supporting increased housing delivery.

For this current review, my Department has worked in close cooperation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that the employment permits system is aligned with the national objective of expanding housing supply. This engagement is focused on identifying pathways to ensure that occupations essential to improving housing output can access the permits system where justified.

It is also important to note that the vast majority of construction roles are already eligible for a General Employment Permit (GEP). This route provides a clear and accessible pathway for employers to recruit skilled trades where shortages are demonstrated. In contrast, the Critical Skills Occupations List is intended for higher-skilled professional roles and is accompanied by significantly higher minimum annual remuneration requirements, which are scheduled to increase, and normally require the worker to hold a relevant third-level degree or equivalent qualification. As such, CSOL is not the primary mechanism through which most construction-trade shortages are addressed; instead, the GEP continues to serve as the main channel supporting workforce needs in the construction sector.

In considering changes to the occupation lists, my Department assesses not only labour-market evidence but also wider whole-of-Government factors. These include the potential impact of inward migration on housing demand, transport capacity, healthcare, and other public services.

The Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group has now met and considered the available labour-market evidence and relevant departmental inputs. My Department is currently finalising the outcome of the review, and the updated occupation lists will be published in the coming weeks.

I remain committed to ensuring that the employment permits system continues to be responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with key national priorities including, importantly, the delivery of housing.