Only 65 non-EU homecare workers take up 1,000 available permits

Joseph Musgrave (right) said citizens of some non-EU countries need to also apply for a visa, saying “the visa takes around 20 weeks to process” separately. File picture: Naoise Culhane

Just 65 people have applied for new work permits giving non-EU carers work rights in the homecare industry despite 1,000 permits being available, new figures show.

The scheme opened in January to help tackle recruitment challenges. It echoes a similar scheme already in place for hospital and nursing home roles. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is overseeing the scheme.