Noel Grealish
Galway West · Independent · Ireland
“In this regard, the FAI has strongly represented the views of its membership that Israel should be excluded from international football competitions, including bringing a motion to UEFA to this effect last year.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton. I will outline to the Dáil the current position on investments in school infrastructure in County Waterford. Waterford county is broken down into five school planning areas.”
“We will also continue to use our influence to persuade the international community to take appropriate action and stop this conflict. However, we should not reduce this issue to one or two football games or events.”
“Should the first fixture take place in Dublin, which again is ultimately a matter for the FAI and UEFA, I am fully confident that An Garda Síochána has the expertise and resources to police the game properly.”
“Of the total €7.55 billion investment, it is envisaged that approximately €5 billion will be used for project roll-out to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the large-scale, additional accommodation, modular and annual September accommodation needs programmes.”
“Ireland had taken a strong stance in respect of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including recognising the State of Palestine, and the Government stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine, through the realisation of the two-state solution.”
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“I will bring this matter to the attention of both the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, and the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. Deputy Murphy said that the petition has been submitted to the Department for Health. I will ensure the Minister sees and reads it. I will ask her to come back directly to the Deputy on this matter. I thank him for raising the issue.”
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the local authority and fire brigade personnel on the ground who are at the coalface dealing with such fires. As the Deputy will be aware, a lot of these fires happen all over the country, not just in his local area. It is an issue that affects the air we breathe. I compliment the fire brigade. In all fairness, sometimes fire brigade personnel are out for 24 hours trying to quench these gorse fires. Some of these fires are started deliberately, although I do not know why, while others are started by nature, but they have a huge impact on the air we breathe, particularly if they are near a town or village. The first thing people must try to do is close all the windows. Smoke eventually gets in, however.”
“I thank Deputy Murphy for his input this morning on this important issue. Although ambient air quality in Ireland is recognised as being among the best in Europe, there is no safe level of air pollution. There are policies and legislation in place to ensure that we continue to strive to minimise the impact of air pollution on our citizens and the environment. Local authorities are independent statutory bodies which are key in tackling gorse fires and air pollution more generally. They are supported by policy and legislation to carry out the necessary actions within their functional areas. We need to continue to support our local authorities in their work, both in dealing with localised incidents and also more generally supporting them to implement relevant measures in the clean air strategy to protect our air quality in Ireland.”
“Significant progress in improving Ireland’s air quality was also noted this year in the annual clean air strategy progress report in July 2025, including that Ireland has reduced ammonia emissions on foot of improvements in agricultural practices and reduced sulphur dioxide emissions due to a greater use of renewables in energy generation and increased retrofitting and heat pump installation. However, as acknowledged in Ireland’s clean air strategy, there is no safe level of air pollution and we must continue to ensure that we put the appropriate measures in place to protect our air quality.”
“The EPA works closely with local authorities to site, install, operate and maintain monitoring stations at locations around the country. Health data is provided to the public in the form of the air quality index for health, which translates both monitored and modelled air quality to health advice. The European Environment Agency’s report, Europe's Environment 2025, noted in its country profile that Ireland’s air quality is among Europe’s best. It also noted that Ireland meets current EU air quality standards.”
“The NDFEM developed a policy document, Keeping Communities Safe, which sets out a system of national processes and standards for fire service delivery in Ireland based on a risk management approach. Keeping Communities Safe is the outcome of a wide-ranging review of fire service activities and it is supported by a series of documents on issues such as fire services training and safety management systems for fire services. A further set of documents, titled "good practice notes", describes methods for the fire service to deal with a range of solutions in order to achieve consistent good practice nationally. When it comes to the monitoring ambient air quality, the national competent authority for the monitoring and assessment of ambient air quality is the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA.”
“In terms of dealing with fires, including gorse fires, the provision of fire services in a local authority’s functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the fire services Acts 1981 and 2003. The national directorate for fire and emergency management, NDFEM, supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructure projects.”
“Under the Air Pollution Act 1987, where it appears to a local authority that urgent measures are necessary to prevent or limit air pollution affecting any part of its functional area or any adjoining area, the local authority may take steps to carry out such operations or give such assistance as it considers necessary to prevent or limit such pollution or to remedy the effects of same. Local authorities are independent in the exercise of their statutory functions under the Air Pollution Act 1987. In addition, the EPA has advised that it works closely with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown local authority regarding such incidents and can assist through the provision of support and advice on air pollution.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which I am dealing with on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. The air we breathe is fundamental to our health, environment and the overall well-being of our communities. Nationally, from an ambient air-quality point of view, the main air pollutants of concern are fine particulate matter from solid fuel combustion and nitrogen dioxide from transport. However, wildfires or localised fire incidents, though infrequent, can impact air quality.”
“The flood waters actually lifted a 10-tonne container, such was the strength of the waves that came in off the sea. Water does a lot of damage to houses and businesses. I will raise these issues with the Minister of State. I spoke to him earlier this morning. Unfortunately, he could not be here because he had a prior engagement with the Tánaiste. I assure the Deputy that I will speak to the Minister of State again. I thank Deputy Collins for raising this important issue and acknowledge the passion he put into it.”
“I agree with Deputy Collins on many of the issues he raised. In 2009, there was a major flood in the west and 14 houses in my area were flooded. It took nearly five years for reports to be done by the OPW. I have to say that when it finally did the work, it did excellent work. When it does the work, it does it right. The OPW has done a job for life in my area. I know it is frustrating for business and homeowners, particularly when their businesses and homes are flooded again and again, but unfortunately, it takes a long time for reports to be completed and to ensure that the job is done right. I recognise the passion that the Deputy speaks with because I experienced it at first hand myself recently in Clarinbridge, when a number of businesses were flooded during a storm.”
“I assure the Deputy and the House that the Minister of State and the Government are committed to proactively addressing, along with Cork County Council, the flood risk to homes, businesses and communities in County Cork. These measures are being funded through the Government's €1.3 billion allocation for flood relief measures under the national development plan. The Minister of State will continue to work with Cork County Council on the delivery of flood relief schemes and interim measures for the most at-risk communities. I encourage Cork County Council to consider using the demand-led OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme to address and manage localised flood risk. The Minister of State's recent announcement is making it easier for local authorities to address flood risk in local areas.”
“Cork County Council can apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. A consultant's report with respect to a remedial works application to address flood risk to a number of properties in Ballylickey, which was submitted by Cork County Council to the Minister of State's office, is being examined. It will complete its examination of the report shortly and will then be writing to Cork County Council on the matter.”
“Ballinascarthy flood risk was not included in the CFRAM programme. Cork County Council has confirmed that three properties did flood in Ballinascarthy earlier this year when the Owenreagh river broke its banks, and the council has reviewed this flooding issue. I understand there is a drainage district, which is a scheme constructed before the passing of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, located in the vicinity of Ballinascarthy village and that Cork County Council is responsible for its ongoing maintenance. Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address, and local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources.”
“The OPW recently approved funding to meet the costs associated with this stage of the project. Cork County Council is working with stakeholders including the OPW and Uisce Éireann on the overall funding proposal for the Mill culvert upgrade project. To mitigate damage from recurring flood events in Bantry, the OPW, since 2021, has approved some €335,000 to Cork County Council under the OPW minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme, to strengthen its emergency response for the installation of non-return valves, purchase of pumps, large sandbags and individual property protection for affected properties in Bantry. Cork County Council is also progressing the installation of a screen in the Mill river as an interim measure and is engaging with the landowner concerned.”
“The OPW is funding nine staff in Cork County Council to support the delivery of its programme of schemes. The €60 million Bantry flood relief scheme is to protect up to 200 homes. The scheme consultants have identified an emerging preferred option, which is expected to be presented to the public before the end of this year. Submission of the scheme to planning is currently estimated for quarter 3 of 2027. The Deputy is correct in that it is estimated that construction will commence in 2031. Cork County Council is advancing the Mill culvert upgrade project in Bantry ahead of the main flood relief scheme and Part 8 planning consent has been granted. Cork County Council has identified a consultant for the detailed design, contractor procurement and construction management of this project.”
“The Government’s flood risk management plans, an output of CFRAM, provided the evidence for a proactive approach to designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. Since 2018, the Government has trebled the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction to some 100 schemes. It is not possible to progress all 150 flood relief schemes identified by the flood risk management plans simultaneously, due to the limited availability of the professional and specialised engineering and other skills that are required to design and construct flood relief schemes. Under the national delivery model, Cork County Council is leading the delivery of six flood relief schemes in the first tranche, including Bantry flood relief scheme, with nine schemes planned in the second tranche.”
“Gabhaim buíochas to Deputy Collins for raising this important issue. I know it is very important to the Deputy and his constituents. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran. To date, 56 flood relief schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 13,850 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. Through the national catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme, the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. This studied the flood risk from rivers and the sea for two thirds of the population.”
“They will continue to help as much as they can and the Department of justice will do all it can to assist them in their efforts. I again express my sympathies to the people of Palestine on what is a very difficult situation.”
“Both Departments work together to ensure visa applications for Palestinian nationals who meet the criteria to be granted a visa are processed as swiftly as possible. The embassy is actively engaging with applicants to gather the required documents to ensure the visa division of the Department has everything it needs to progress these applications. The Minister assures the Palestinian community and their loved ones that officials in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will process their applications as swiftly as possible. While the Department cannot help directly with the evacuation of people from Gaza, colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have, since the beginning of the crisis, supported and facilitated the travel of more than 200 people from Gaza to Ireland.”
“I assure the Senator that the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, remains extremely concerned about the situation in Gaza and the Government is committed to supporting international efforts to bring an end to this dreadful conflict. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will continue to support its colleagues in the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Health in further medical evacuation operations. On timelines surrounding the arrival of these people, visa applications from Palestine are received by the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv, which processes certain visa applications under delegated sanction on behalf of the Department. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan's, officials in the visa division are in regular contact with the embassy regarding visa applications from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.”
“The officials of the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, officials are working closely with the Department of Health regarding future arrivals who are expected later in the year. While the Department can grant visas for eligible family members to travel to Ireland, it is not in a position to provide practical assistance to family members who are seeking evacuation directly from Gaza.”
“This decision not only applies to future medical evacuation operations but also to the families already here who have qualifying family members still in Gaza. The Minister, Deputy Jim O’Callaghan, assures me that he appreciates that those who have been medically evacuated are eager for their family members to join them in Ireland. It remains the Department’s policy that the families brought to Ireland under the Gaza medical evacuation initiative should not be separated. I am advised by the Minister that his Department will swiftly consider all applications from Gaza on a case-by-case basis. The Irish Red Cross has offered to assist families in Ireland to apply for entry visas for their family members still in Gaza. We are committed to supporting the evacuation of the remaining children with their families.”
“The Department of Health and the HSE continue to lead on future medical evacuation operations and will bring all actors together again in the response. Medical evacuation operations are extraordinarily difficult. Ireland has carried out two successful medical evacuations of 12 paediatric patients out of the commitment of up to 30 patients, with 12 carers and a further 21 family members accompanying the patients. All the family members have been medically assessed and are being treated for a range of conditions as necessary. On 15 July 2025, the Government amended the scope of the Gaza medical evacuation initiative to allow family members of paediatric patients who are parents, minor siblings or adult dependent siblings of the patient, on grant of visas, to enter the State.”
“I am advised by the Minister that his Department is acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and his officials are working closely with their colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure a co-ordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance. Ireland has a strong tradition of providing humanitarian assistance. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has been supporting the Minister for Health and the HSE in facilitating the evacuation of paediatric patients in line with the Government decision to accept up to 30 paediatric patients from Gaza and their carers, in response to the World Health Organization's request to react to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
“I thank the Senator for bringing this matter regarding the process for family reunification in respect of the families under the Gaza medical initiative. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, who unfortunately could not be here this morning. First, on my behalf and on behalf of the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, I express our sympathies to all the Palestinian people for the difficult circumstances they are encountering. There is no justification for the devastating loss of life and the attacks on civilians and healthcare services in Gaza.”
“In 2023, MS Ireland received more than €3 million from the HSE to support its services. The funding is governed by a number of service arrangements in seven of the nine former CHO areas, which identify service delivery provided by the agency in return for the money being provided to it.”
“I thank both Senators. They are concerned about the local shops and business that supply Kostal. It is a major concern always. When there is a multinational in an area, it is not just about the employment they provide; it is also about the subcontractors. I am sure the engagement with the IDA will be ongoing and every support from the Department will be made available to support the company in any way. If any decision is made, there is support available for the workers who might unfortunately lose their job. It is hoped that it might not come to that but the mechanisms of the State are there. I am sure they will be willing to work with the company and hopefully, some good news might come out of it. As I have stated, no notice of redundancies has come into the Department as of yet, so maybe that is some good news.”
“In collective redundancy situations, the Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes certain legal obligations on employers. This includes a 30-day information and consultation process with employees’ representatives, and to notify the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment at least 30 days before the first redundancy takes effect. I confirm that the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has not received a collective redundancy notification from Kostal as of 4 p.m. yesterday. Furthermore, the Government provides a range of supports to any employees facing job losses and the Intreo service of the Department of Social Protection can assist with income supports and relevant employment and training opportunities where needed.”
“On 9 September 2025, staff at Kostal’s Abbeyfeale operation were informed of the transfer of Abbeyfeale’s OBC production to China, which will have a direct impact on employee numbers at the plant. Notwithstanding the loss of the OBC business to China, Kostal has outlined to IDA Ireland its intention to continue operations in Abbeyfeale for the foreseeable future. This includes plans for future investment in the Abbeyfeale facility. My foremost concern, and that of the Government, is for the potentially impacted employees and their families during this difficult and uncertain time. Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation in place to protect and support workers where collective redundancies are proposed by an employer.”
“I thank Senator Kennelly and Senator Collins for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Burke. I congratulate Senator Shane Curley. I think it is his first time in the Chair. It may be the first of many. In the next Seanad he could be the Cathaoirleach. I thank the Senators for raising this matter. Kostal Group is an independent family-owned company headquartered in Germany serving the automotive market. The group's main activities include the development and manufacture of technologically advanced electronic and electromechanical products. Its primary mandate is the manufacture of on-board chargers, OBCs, for the electric vehicle, EV, industry.”
“I thank Senator Costello for raising the issue. I will bring to the attention of the Minister what the Senator has raised. I am not aware of what the hold-up is regarding going through Northern Ireland and what the delay is. Going on what the Senator is saying, she is very passionate about this and is anxious to get this over the line. Genuinely, I do not have the answers for her; I have the script here from the Department. What I will do is bring it back to the Minister and ask that she respond directly to the Senator as to why we cannot go through Northern Ireland or what the hold-up is and the delay on getting this through. I hear what the Senator says. It is much needed, badly needed and seriously needed for young people for their improvement in life. I will bring that to the attention of the Minister. I thank the Senator.”
“To support this process, there has been significant investment to enhance the HSE's pricing and reimbursement process for medicines. Thirty-four new staff were hired across the pricing and reimbursement system in 2024 which will support faster access to new and innovative medicines for patients. In addition, to support transparency in this process, an application tracker has also been developed and launched.”
“On 6 August 2025 a pricing and reimbursement application from the marketing authorisation holder for givinostat was made to the HSE with an indication for the treatment of DMD in ambulant patients aged six years and older. Following the conclusion of a rapid review by the NCPE on 14 August 2025, a full health technology assessment, HTA, was commissioned by the HSE on 26 August 2025. The pricing and reimbursement assessment is ongoing. A HTA is a detailed evaluation of medical technologies, including medicines, to determine their effectiveness, safety, cost-efficiency and broader impact on the health budget and service. A HTA takes time to evaluate as it involves gathering and analysing complex clinical and economic data, consulting stakeholders and aligning with regulatory standards to ensure decisions are evidence-based and transparent.”
“This ensures the right medicines are available and approval is at a sustainable price. Givinostat, sold under the brand name Duvyzat, is a medication used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, DMD, in ambulant patients aged six years and older. Conditional marketing authorisation was granted for givinostat on 6 June 2025 by the European Commission. The Minister for Health met with her Italian counterpart at the EPSCO Council meeting in June in Luxembourg to ask him to encourage the company to submit a pricing and reimbursement application to Ireland. The HSE has also proactively engaged with the company to strongly encourage it to submit a pricing and reimbursement application.”
“This level of investment is unprecedented in supporting patients through the availability of new and innovative medicines. Budgets 2021 to 2024 have included dedicated funding for new medicines of €128 million. Budget 2025 allocated €30 million of the funding available for new drugs to be generated by efficiencies to be identified by the HSE. From 2021 up to June 2025, this has enabled the HSE to approve reimbursement for 219 new medicines or new uses for existing medicines, including 91 for the treatment of cancer and 55 for the treatment of rare diseases. Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The Act provides a rigorous process for the assessment of new medicines for reimbursement.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this issue. I am answering on behalf of the Minister for Health. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare disease affecting approximately 200 people in Ireland. Its symptoms can severely impact the lives of those living with the disease and their families. The State acknowledges the importance of access to medicines and is aware of the circumstances of patients with DMD. As the Senator will be aware, the Minister met with the families of children with DMD and their representative body, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, in July to discuss their plight and provide support. The State has made considerable investments in new medicines in recent years. In 2023, nearly €1 in every €8 of public funding being spent on health was spent on medicines.”
“Now that the investigation is concluding, it is imperative that lessons are learnt in order that we will be in a stronger position in the context of ensuring the prevention of events of this nature in the future. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter.”
“It is deeply regrettable that the extensive work carried out to establish the cause of this incident has not yielded any significant results. The Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, has requested a comprehensive interagency report on the investigation into the incident. That report will be important in the context of understanding how we can streamline our cross-agency response to these incidents and ensure that we are identifying the source of pollutants and irritants in our catchments as quickly as possible. It is essential that our agencies work with all stakeholders to ensure that our prevention compliance and incident response actions are as effective as possible.”
“I thank the Deputy for his remarks regarding the Government's response to this. I reiterate that the Government takes this significant fish mortality very seriously. As the House is aware, farmers have been asked to escalate their efforts in respect of water quality protection. State agencies must do the same. Moreover, there is a duty on State bodies and actors in the public sector to take a lead in ensuring that the risk of pollution incidents and events is minimised. Incidents of this nature are a significant source of concern because of their devastating ecological impact on local ecosystems. They should not happen. I assure the House that no effort will be spared in the context of seeking to prevent or minimise the advent of further incidents of this nature.”
“Importantly, the results of ongoing monitoring and testing indicate that the river continues to be safe, including for angling, with no water quality issues currently detected. All agencies will continue to carry out ongoing monitoring and routine surveys and inspections in the Blackwater catchment and more widely across other water courses. A full incident report is being completed by the inter-agency group involving a review of actions taken by all agencies, including full and comprehensive findings from all investigations and recommendations for future action relating to the River Blackwater catchment and other river ecosystems. On behalf of the Government and the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, I thank local anglers and community members who provided vital information to IFI staff during the course of this investigation.”
“While pathology testing carried out by the Marine Institute indicated possible exposure to some form of environmental insult or water-borne irritant was likely to have caused or contributed to the incident, no definitive cause for the fish kill has been identified in any of the test results. Unfortunately, this is not unusual. In some cases, the triggering factor has either dissipated or is not detectable by the time an investigation commences, making identification impossible. A significant mortality of fish has occurred, primarily of the trout species. While it will take time for stocks to fully recover, the river remains open for fishing and healthy stocks are present.”
“The function of this group was to pool necessary resources and expertise across multiple bodies to provide for a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to addressing and investigating this fish kill. The group has already met on several occasions in the last month, including twice under the chairmanship of the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, and met most recently on 22 September to agree and sign off on a draft report concerning the investigation. Over the last month, extensive investigations and testing have been carried out by the relevant agencies and all potential pollution sources in the area have been examined.”
“The Minister of State chaired a well-attended town hall meeting in Mallow between agencies and stakeholders, principally anglers and their representatives. Officials in the Department have also been working closely with IFI and other agencies to co-ordinate public updates and to ensure information is being released as it becomes available. To ensure that a co-ordinated and thorough response is in place, the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, established an inter-agency group last month, co-ordinated by the IFI, which includes the EPA, Marine Institute, Cork County Council, the local authorities water programme, Uisce Éireann, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, and the HSE.”
“I am taking this Topical Issue on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, who could not be here. I thank Deputy Kenny for raising this important issue and allowing me to update the House on matters relating to it. I want to begin by acknowledging the importance of the very serious kill that occurred on the River Blackwater and its tributaries near Mallow, County Cork, last month and I wish to emphasise that the Government fully recognise the enormous impact this incident has had on local communities, anglers and users of this important river catchment. Since becoming aware of the incident, the Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and marine, Deputy Dooley, has been in close contact with IFI and other relevant agencies and he has visited the site on two occasions to consult with the local community and anglers.”
“I thank Deputy O'Sullivan. I am taking this Topical Issue on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. I heard the issues the Deputy raised and I hear them in my office. There are many delays in certain types of work permits, in particular in the transport sector. There are many transport companies in the west of Ireland, in particular Galway. I have met many and one of their major issues is trying to source drivers. In terms of bringing in drivers from abroad, the work permit system is taking a lot longer than it should. I will bring back the Deputy's comments to the Minister and Department. I will not read out my closing statement because it is the same as what I said at the beginning. I will ask the Minister whether something can be done to speed of these applications. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue.”
“The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment remains focused on ensuring the employment permits system is agile, fair and responsive to Ireland's evolving labour market.”
“The Department has also allocated additional resources to ensure that initial applications are processed as efficiently as possible, while continuing to improve appeal timelines. Appeals processing has seen increased volumes, particularly in the food and hospitality sector. Many of these relate to revised eligibility criteria for chef roles. The Department is actively working to reduce appeal wait times and expects improvements as the system stabilises. l am not aware of any specific delays in the processing of employment permits. However, in an operation of this scale, it is to be expected that applications will be at various stages of processing. Some may take longer due to additional checks or because they are subject to appeal, both of which are standard features of a robust and fair system.”
“In 2024, we issued a record 39,400 permits from 46,600 applications received. The launch of employment permits online, EPO, in April 2025 marked a major digital transformation, introducing a modern, cloud-based system that streamlines how permits are submitted, processed and tracked. As with any system transition, some short-term pressures have emerged. However, the Department continues to prioritise the timely processing of applications and remains focused on maintaining a high standard of service. Turnaround times remain well below the levels experienced during peak demand periods and compare favourably with international norms. The new system’s enhanced validation features are already helping to reduce refusals on technical grounds, and this in turn is expected to ease pressures on appeals.”
“I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for raising this issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Burke, who could not be here this morning. I welcome the opportunity to address the issue of employment permit processing and its impact on businesses and prospective employees. Ireland operates a managed, demand-led employment permits system under the Employment Permits Act 2024. This system supports our labour market by enabling non-EEA nationals to take up employment in sectors where genuine skills or labour shortages exist. It is underpinned by defined eligibility criteria and a statutory review mechanism for refused applications. The Department has made significant progress in recent years to improve the efficiency of the system in response to rising demand.”