121. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding current waiting times for first-time Irish residence permit registration appointments, which in many cases now exceed new employees’ actual job start dates due to exceptionally high demand for appointments and limited availability (details supplied); the measures are being taken to reduce these waiting times; the supports or temporary flexibilities are being put in place to assist affected employees and employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1459/26]

Sentiment score: 0.26

My question relates to first-time Irish resident permits and registration appointments. There are considerable delays and there is considerable anxiety for those who wish to avail of an appointment to seek employment, particularly critical employment. Those positions of employment are often in the medical care sector. I am anxious to understand exactly how that process can be expedited to ensure it does not go on for months.

Sentiment score: 0.12

I appreciate the Minister of State’s response but I am in receipt of an email that I received for what is described as a critical skills employment permit. The position the individual applied for was a critical nurse manager in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. The employment was to start in early January but the earliest date they got for any appointment was 10 March 2026. That worries me. A position remains unfilled and the skilled person who wishes to take up that role still has not had an appointment. Therein lies the problem and that is why I bring this matter to the attention of the Minister of State. There is a delay and while there is a delay, there is anomaly. While that exists, there is always a vacant job post.

Sentiment score: -0.26

I have raised my concern. Maybe there is a need for better and more collaboration. One thing that is sure and certain is that, when we require skilled people to take up critical posts in critical positions, there is an urgent need to expedite that process. I certainly have plenty of email evidence to suggest that there are considerable delays. Whether it be the Department of justice or otherwise, when it comes to the employment permits unit, maybe, as the Minister of State said, it can work collaboratively and more efficiently to ensure the situation remains that we can get people sorted sooner rather than later.

Sentiment score: 0.36