1002. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide an update on the Multi-Annual Reform (MAR) pricing roadmap for nursing homes; when the next increase in the MAR threshold will be implemented; whether greater transparency will be provided regarding future adjustments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59741/26]

The employment permits system is grounded in legislation that sets clear and objective criteria for minimum annual remuneration thresholds (MAR), qualifications, and the eligibility of occupations. The MAR represents the minimum salary that must be paid to a non-EEA national for an employment permit to be issued or renewed. Sufficient remuneration thresholds operate as a key protection, ensuring that the recruitment of non-EEA nationals does not place downward pressure on wages or conditions, or undermine employment opportunities or career progression for the domestic and EEA workforce.

Following a comprehensive review of salary thresholds, economic conditions and stakeholder feedback, my Department published the Employment Permits: Minimum Annual Remuneration – Outcome of the Roadmap Review 2025 at the end of last year. The review report sets out the policy rationale, evidence basis, and the revised roadmap for the phased adjustment of employment permit salary thresholds, on an annual basis, through to 2030.

Under this roadmap, the first increases took effect on 1 March 2026. The minimum salary threshold for a Critical Skills Employment Permit increased from €38,000 to €40,904, while the threshold for a General Employment Permit increased from €34,000 to €36,605. For sectors operating under lower than standard salary thresholds, including healthcare assistants and home carers, the minimum threshold increased from €30,000 to €32,691.

The review was undertaken in response to a range of structural changes in the labour market since MAR thresholds were last comprehensively updated including sustained inflationary pressures, increases in average earnings, rising costs of living, and changing labour market dynamics. The review was also informed by a public consultation process which received over 150 submissions from employers, permit holders, trade unions and representative bodies, the views of which were carefully considered in shaping the final approach. Following the conclusion of the roadmap period, indexation will apply annually, on an ongoing basis across all permit categories, providing a transparent and evidence-based mechanism for maintaining alignment with earnings trends.

These measures seek to ensure that employment permit holders have access to quality employment with remuneration that better reflects earnings growth across the wider economy, while also supporting Ireland's competitiveness in attracting and retaining the skills required across key sectors.

The Government recognises the valuable contribution made by employment permit holders across a range of sectors, including healthcare and other essential services. Ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive destination for skilled international workers, while safeguarding fair employment standards and protecting workers from exploitation, remains an important policy objective.

My Department remains committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders to inform on future policy developments. I will continue to keep the operation of the MAR framework under review, taking into account the evolving sectoral pressures facing nursing home providers and economic conditions, to ensure that the employment permits system continues to operate effectively while supporting Ireland’s economic needs.