1072. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the requirement for nursing homes to have least half of their workforce to be EEA, UK, or Swiss nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63563/26]

1073. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any review ongoing of the requirement for nursing homes to have least half of their workforce to be EEA, UK, or Swiss nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63565/26]

1074. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any engagement he has had with an organisation regarding the requirement for nursing homes to have least half of their workforce to be EEA, UK, or Swiss nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63564/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1072, 1073 and 1074 together.

The Employment Permits Act 2024 requires that at least 50% of the employees of an employer to be Irish/EEA/UK/Swiss nationals. This policy fulfils Ireland's obligations under the Union Preference principles of membership of the EU. The mandatory application of the 50:50 rule underpins the Government’s employment creation strategy by compelling employers in the State to hire in a balanced manner from domestic and EEA labour markets.

Under this rule, an employment permit will not issue unless, at the time of application, at least 50% of the employees of the employer are EEA, UK or Swiss nationals.

Officials of my Department have conducted a review of Ireland’s use of the 50:50 rule, the outcome of which recommended the creation of new sector specific regulation-making powers in the Employment Permits Act 2024.

Work on this policy has continued to advance over the summer. Draft Heads of Bill to give effect to the proposed changes to the 50:50 rule have been prepared and are currently undergoing legal scrutiny, with the objective of securing Oireachtas scheduling at the earliest possible opportunity.

These amendments remain a priority for my Department. While the immediate focus is on progressing the legislation through the required stages, further engagement with relevant Government Departments and sectoral stakeholders will also take place to support timely enactment and implementation.

My Department remains committed to progressing the proposed legislative changes to the 50:50 rule and will continue to provide updates as the legislation advances. These policy developments are intended to ensure that the employment permits system remains responsive to evolving labour market needs while continuing to support key national priorities, including the delivery of essential care services.