Over 3,400 work permits had been issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) for the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector in the first 11 months of 2024.
The latest data, published by the department, shows that some 141 permits were issued to the sector during the month of November, which was the lowest monthly total this year.
By comparison, the department issued 591 permits to the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector in February.
The latest figure means that the sector has now been issued with a total of 3,432 work permits so far this year.
Work permits
In order to work in Ireland, a non-European Economic Area (EEA) national, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit.
Between January and November, the department confirmed it issued a total of 36,402 work permits across all economic sectors, with 3,289 of that overall figure granted during last month.
Health and social work is the sector with the highest number of permits (11,694) followed by information and communication activities (6,211) and agriculture, forestry and fishing.
The data shows that Dawn Meats Ireland has been issued 662 work permits this year, but no permits were issued to the processor in November.
There were 227 permits granted in the 11-month period to Anglo Beef Processors Ireland Unlimited Company, 150 for Liffey Meats (Cavan), 157 for Rosderra Irish Meats and 116 issued to Kildare Chilling.
In the horticulture sector, Tiernaneill Mushrooms had been issued with 100 permits by the end of November, Tullow Mushroom Growers was granted 67 and Tyholland Mushrooms received 56.
Meanwhile, the department has confirmed that the proposed salary increases for work permit holders due to come into effect in January 2025 have been deferred.
A roadmap for increasing the minimum salary thresholds was announced in December 2023, including a proposed rise from €30,000 to €32,000 in January 2025 for workers in meat processing and horticulture.
A DETE spokesperson told Agriland that “considering concerns raised by some stakeholders relating to increased costs of doing business,” the DETE is currently reviewing the proposed roadmap.
“The proposed January 2025 increases to minimum salary thresholds will be deferred, pending the outcome of this review,” according to the spokesperson.