Meat factories have been proactive in pursuing applications for non-EEA workers, with 315 labour permit applications made for meat processing operatives since 4 June.

Dairy farmers have made just four applications, while horticulture accounted for one sole application since the beginning of June, figures from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation show.

The work permits for non-EEA workers were made available for application on a pilot basis, after changes were made to the Employment Permit Regulations by Minister for Business Heather Humphreys.

The changes ensured that 500 permits were available for horticulture workers, 250 for the meat processing operatives and 50 for the dairy farm assistants, to ease the labour pressure on each sector on an interim basis.

The results of an inter-departmental review group on the labour issue and current economic migration policies underpinning the employment permits system will determine whether or not this scheme will be extended.

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