2348. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe within which an approved employment permit is notified from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for the purposes of a visa application; the average time currently taken between employment permit approval and visa processing commencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59584/26]

I can advise the Deputy that in order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) administers the Employment Permits system.

DETE do not notify my Department that an Employment Permit has been granted for an individual. Once a visa required applicant receives their employment permit they must apply for a Type D Long Stay Employment visa from my Department before they seek to enter the State.

Any person that wishes to make a visa application must do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.

Visa processing cannot commence until the relevant fee and supporting documentation are lodged with the Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office. Applicants are advised to do this as soon as possible.

In 2025, the average processing time for an employment visa was 44 days.

Work is underway to introduce a single permit for people coming to Ireland to live and work. Currently, employment permits, visas and residency permits are all processed separately.

This is a significant technical project involving the integration of two IT systems. In the short term, we are streamlining the existing process by removing duplication, aligning online information and introducing a single payment model. These improvements will make the system simpler and more efficient.

The project is progressing through a phased development with ongoing cross-departmental engagement. A pilot is also currently being scoped out to test the proposed new approach to delivering the single permit directive.

Changes introduced in 2024 also mean that spouses and partners of employment permit holders can now take up employment without requiring separate employment authorisation. These initiatives support the long-term sustainability of our economy while recognising the important contribution that legal migrants make to our society.