Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
207. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration would be given to increasing the number of physiotherapists under the critical skills occupations list in view of the shortage of physiotherapists in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33312/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that occupations included on the Critical Skills Occupations List are not subject to quota limits.
Following constructive engagement with the Department of Health, the occupation of physiotherapist was added to the Critical Skills Occupations List in June 2022. This change provides priority access to Ireland’s labour market by way of the Critical Skills Employment Permit for non-EEA nationals wishing to take up employment in the State as physiotherapists.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is attractive for a number of reasons:
• Because the skills are identified as being in short supply, a Labour Market Needs Test is not required.
• Permit holders can apply for immediate family reunification from the Department of Justice. Once resident in the State, the dependants/partners/spouses of CSEP holders are eligible to apply for employment permits.
• Permit holders may apply to the Department of Justice for permission to reside and work without the requirement for an employment permit upon completion of the Critical Skills Employment Permit’s duration.
For further information in regard to the hiring of physiotherapists by the HSE, please refer to the HSE or the Department of Health which has policy responsibility in this area.
