Green card system to be introduced

A permanent green card is to be introduced to facilitate certain sectors of the Irish economy experiencing a skills shortage.

The details are outlined in the latest review of the Irish labour market published today.

The report, by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and Forfás, says the Irish economy will continue to rely on migrant workers from outside the European Union, despite the arrival of many immigrants from the new EU member states.

The report endorses a two-tier immigration scheme with a permanent green card system for highly qualified workers and a temporary work permit system for low skill migrants.

It found that there was particular demand for workers possessing specific high skills which are in short supply in the Irish workforce.

After reviewing skills and labour shortages in 125 occupations in Ireland, the report says the sectors experiencing skills shortages include construction, finance, engineering, information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and sales.

Further labour shortages are being experienced in occupations including horticulture, finance and credit control.

The report says that most of Ireland's demand for unskilled labour can be met from European countries.

However, Europe cannot meet all Ireland's needs at graduate level so the State must look outside the EU to third countries to source highly qualified workers.

Launching the report, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, said that about 5,000 green cards will be issued every year.

Mr Martin stressed that migration must be managed correctly and was no substitute for improving training and 'up-skilling' of workers already resident in Ireland.