1037. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on his Departments efforts to merge the visa and employment permit system into one user-friendly single application procedure supported by a new ICT system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.' [61689/26]

Officials in my department, in collaboration with officials in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration have been working strenuously to deliver a more efficient and streamlined employment permit and visa system. The intention being to increase the competitiveness of Ireland in attracting the skills and talent the economy needs - especially in sectors like healthcare and construction.

A key element of this is the implementation of a single application procedure for both employment permits and immigration permissions, in line with the Single Permit Directive. It is expected that this will reduce the complexity of the current system, ensuring that the process responds effectively and quickly to meet the skills and labour needs of businesses.

A programme implementation team, co-chaired by my department and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DJHAM) has been established. The initial focus of this group has been the streamlining of existing processes and coordinated external communication, scoping the feasibility of technological, legislative, and data sharing solutions, agreeing and laying the groundwork for subsequent implementation. The expected delivery date for this complex project is 2027.

The modernisation and integration of the IT systems in both departments is integral to delivering this project. I am pleased to report that in April 2025, my department launched the new ‘Employment Permits Online’ system. This portal-based system has made the application process easier, more secure, and more intuitive, resulting in a more streamlined processing experience for applicants. It sits on a Microsoft Power Platform which is based on similar technologies that the DJHAM’s IT systems are expected to move to and will support the infrastructure required for a single application process across the two departments.

The next phase of the development of the employment permits system is now underway and will include exploring the potential use of disruptive technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, building on this more modern and stable foundation. It will identify opportunities for service improvement that will result in further efficiency gains and an overall sleeker customer experience.

Visa and residency processing timelines fall under the responsibility of the DJHAM, and that Department has been specifically assigned an action under the Accelerating Infrastructure implementation plan to streamline visa processes, address sequential permit–visa delays, and enable concurrent applications for key skills.

In advance of fully implementing a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions, officials in both departments are actively examining options to expedite visa processing for critical skills employment permit holders in high-demand sectors.

While close cooperation between Departments is welcome, it is important to note that Ireland’s permit processing system consistently demonstrates strong efficiency and plays a key role in supporting timely and effective outcomes for employers and migrant workers.

In recent years, my department has focused intensively on reducing processing times across all work permit types. As of 25th August, Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEPs) are being processed in approximately 5 working days, and General Employment Permits (GEPs) in approximately 26 working days. These improvements reflect sustained operational enhancements and a strong commitment to supporting employers in accessing the talent required.

These developments together mark a necessary and significant step towards a more integrated and efficient employment permit and visa system and will strengthen Ireland’s reputation as an attractive place to work and do business.