‘Green Card’ categories identified

ARCHITECTS, bricklayers, plasterers, tax experts, software engineers, therapists and dieticians will be among the skilled workers eligible to qualify for Irish ‘Green Cards’, the Irish Examiner understands.

Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin will today launch a report identifying the skills needs of the economy, prepared by an expert group on future skills needs and by Forfás. The report will form the basis of the first allotment of the cards, expected to number about 5,000 per annum.

The report pinpoints shortfalls in the construction sector; skilled trades; finance; engineering; the chemical industry; software; the pharmaceutical sector; and healthcare.

Among the other skill shortages identified are: civil engineers, planners, quantity surveyors, site managers, carpenters, actuaries, fund managers, maintenance technicians, metal-forming workers, chemical engineers, and radiographers.

Many who qualify will be expected to earn over €60,000 per annum. But some groups, including trades and healthcare workers, will be in the €30,000 to €60,000 bracket.

Yesterday, the Employment Permits Bill, which will give a legal basis to green cards, was criticised by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI), for not going far enough to entice skilled migrant workers to this country. The CCI, in a submission to the Oireachtas Enterprise Committee, said it fears Ireland will fall behind in the hunt for knowledge and talent as a result. The body said it was not convinced by Mr Martin’s green card-type system whereby they will be allowed stay in Ireland for “a defined period of time.”

Unions have criticised the proposals. The CCI added its voice to the criticism.

CCI chief executive John Dunne welcomed the motive for the bill, but said: “It is imperative that the new permits system include an option for permanent residency, similar to the United States’ green card system. This will not only encourage talented workers to come to Ireland, but will also ensure their full participation in Irish society and its economy.”

The Department said the approach to this issue would be flexible and Mr Martin would be positively disposed to granting permanent residency once the two-year card had expired.