Latest news with #TourismandEmployment
Agriland
08-08-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Views sought on review of occupations lists for work permits
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has today (Wednesday, July 23) opened a public consultation on the review of the occupations lists for work permits. The department said that these lists are used to administer Ireland's employment permits policy. The Ineligible Occupations List covers occupations for which there is an adequate supply of labour and skills with Ireland and the European Economic Area (EEA), and for which an employment permit will not be issued. The Critical Skills Occupations List relates to occupations in short supply in Ireland and across the EEA. The last review of the occupations lists took place in 2023, and resulted in 11 additional roles being placed on the Critical Skills Occupations List, and 32 roles being made eligible for a General Employment Permit. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke launched the review of the eligible occupations for employment permits. "At a time of full employment, with over 2.81 million people at work, and with 90,000 new jobs created in the last year, it is vital that we continue to have a strong and flexible employment permits system to allow non-EEA nationals to fill the skill and labour gaps we cannot access in Ireland or Europe and to ensure our economy remains competitive. 'As demonstrated by the changes made to the employment permit system over the last year, the system is responsive to the needs of the sectors and industries it serves. "This full review will allow us to ensure the system remains up-to-date in a way that serves both workers and employers," he said. The latest figures show that DETE issued 1,037 work permits to the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector in the first half of 2025. This is down from a total of 1,859 issued in the first six months of last year. Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon said that Ireland's economic migration policy "accommodates the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps in the domestic economy in the short to medium term". "These workers are a vital part of the Irish economy. My department's reviews of the system promote an integrated approach to address these labour market deficiencies in the longer term and ensure we can continue to meet our labour needs. 'Where employers or stakeholders are facing challenges in recruiting a specific occupation and believe it should be eligible for an employment permit, or believe a certain occupation should move onto the critical skills list, now is their opportunity to share this feedback. 'With the consultation running over the summer period, there is plenty of time for interested employers and sectors who use the employment permits system to provide their feedback," he said. As part of this review process, submissions are sought from employers, representative bodies, government departments, agencies, and other interested parties relating to occupations currently included on or absent from the lists. Submissions will be accepted through the online consultation form made available on the department's website and will be open until September 19.
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Over 6,500 Irish SMEs helped by National Enterprise Hub in first year
More than 6,500 SMEs have been directly supported by the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) in the first year since its launch. The National Enterprise Hub is an initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland and brings together information and resources on over 250 Government supports from 30 different departments and state agencies. It said the top grants availed of by businesses ranged in value from €3,000 to €7,000 and focused on supporting businesses with cashflow, expansion and productivity to help them deal with concerns around rising costs, and competitiveness. It has attracted over 220,000 active online users to its website over the last 12 months, while it also offers a full-time dedicated phone line, connecting business owners with specialist advisors who can discuss potential grant options over the phone. The businesses are from a range of industries with the majority operating in the Tourism & Hospitality sector, retail & consumer products, food, health & beauty, professional services and the construction sector. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the National Enterprise Hub has proven effective in streamlining and simplifying access for SMEs to government supports, equipping them with vital digital and sustainability resources to navigate rising costs and stay competitive. "My focus now with the NEH is on reducing administrative burdens and red tape for businesses by consolidating multiple grant applications into a single, simplified process," the Minister said. "We must redouble our efforts to simplify processes for businesses and make sure that we think about small businesses first," he added. Conor O'Donovan, Head of Start-Ups and the National Enterprise Hub, said that SME engagement with the National Enterprise Hub has met and exceeded targets to date, supporting 6,500 businesses within its first year of operation. "One of the main aims of the Hub was to engage with businesses who haven't availed of government supports to date and to make the process of availing of government supports faster and easier," he said. "We know that Irish SMEs are operating in a complex environment and being able to access grants and supports is more important than ever," Mr O'Donovan said. "Small businesses who are engaging with the National Enterprise Hub are concerned about rising cost of business and competitiveness - that is why a single source of government supports for businesses is important to ensure that accessing the right information is made easier," he added.
Irish Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
AI company Gong announces major expansion of its EMEA headquarters in Dublin
LEADING AI company Gong has announced a major expansion of its Irish operations with plans to increase its Dublin workforce from 125 to more than 200 people. The firm uses an AI platform to help companies better understand customers and business trends, with the aim of improving productivity, increasing predictability and growing revenue. The Irish capital has been home to Gong's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) headquarters since 2022. As part of its growth plans, the company has relocated to a new EMEA headquarters at WeWork One Central Plaza — the iconic former Central Bank building in the heart of Dublin. "Our growth in Europe reflects a global shift — companies are embracing AI not just to keep pace, but to lead in highly competitive markets," said Amit Bendov, co-founder and CEO. "Dublin plays a critical role in our global strategy. "This expansion reinforces our long-term commitment to the region and our mission to empower revenue teams across EMEA with cutting-edge AI." Attraction of Ireland Gong now has more than 750 EMEA customers across key EMEA markets including Ireland, Britain, Germany, France, Nordics, Benelux and Spain. The firms says EMEA customer use of its AI features is up 80 per cent on last year, helping it surpass $300m in annual recurring revenue earlier this year. It credits its expansion with an increased demand for Gong's AI-powered revenue platform, particularly its agentic capabilities. As a result, the high global demand for revenue AI solutions will see Gong add 75 new roles in Dublin over the next 18 months across R&D, sales and other departments. Welcoming the expansion, Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said: "Ireland continues to be an attractive location for innovative companies to invest and serve their customer base from, offering a dynamic talent pool, a pro-business environment and seamless access to the European market."
RTÉ News
03-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
EU will retaliate on tariffs 'if no agreement reached'
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said the EU is ready for a trade deal with the United States, but warned that Brussels was ready to retaliate with a list of countermeasures if "no satisfactory agreement is reached." Speaking in the Danish city of Aarhus, at the launch of the Danish presidency of the EU, Ms Von der Leyen said: "As you know, the negotiations with the United States are ongoing. "As we speak, [EU trade] Commissioner Sefcovic is in Washington today. I just want to say we are ready for a deal. "We want a negotiated solution, but you will know that at the same time, we're preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached. "This is why we consulted on a rebalancing list, and we will defend the European interest as needed. In other words, all the instruments are on the table," she added. Ms von der Leyen's comments come after Tánaiste Simon Harris said yesterday that US tariffs of 10% on exports from Ireland will be the "new normal" but that efforts are continuing to agree zero for zero taxes in some key areas. "The US believes in tariffs. Clearly 10% seems to be the baseline in any agreements they have reached so far," he said. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke also said that he is "hopeful rather than confident" that a deal on tariffs can be reached between the US and European Union by 9 July.
Agriland
29-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Enterprise minister to lead trade mission to Japan
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke is leading a trade and investment mission to Japan, this week (June 2025). The minister will be accompanied by Enterprise Ireland CEO designate, Jenny Melia and IDA Ireland CEO, Michael Lohan. Two-way trade between Japan and Ireland now exceeds €21 billion, and Japan is the number one source of foreign direct investment into Ireland from the Asia Pacific region. Minister Burke said: 'Trade promotion and market diversification are key government priorities, and I see significant opportunities in Japan for both Irish companies and FDI. 'This week, we are engaging with dozens of major corporations to highlight Ireland's global position as a stable location for investment, as well as helping Irish companies to build, scale and expand in this region.' 'Looking ahead, the relationship between our two countries is based on shared values and mutual respect and as minister, I believe our work in this regard will facilitate this relationship growing deeper and stronger in the years ahead,' the minister added. Japan According to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Japan is a growing export market, with over 300 Enterprise Ireland clients doing business in Japan, and over 50 Irish companies having representations or presence in Japan. Minister Burke will also meet IDA's potential and existing clients to set out the unique advantages of locating in Ireland to service a European marketplace of 450 million people. He will meet with a number of Enterprise Ireland client companies seeking new opportunities for their world-class products and services and will hold a number of political engagements with his counterparts in the Japanese government. Minister Burke will also visit the new Ireland House Tokyo, which is home to offices for the Embassy, Team Ireland, including Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and IDA. During the second half of the week, the Minister will attend the Osaka Expo 2025. The department believes that participation at Expo provides an excellent platform for direct public diplomacy and an opportunity to increase visibility of Ireland in the region.
