The EURES report highlighted significant labour shortages across Ireland, identifying 20 occupations that are currently facing critical workforce gaps. The report underscored the urgent demand for skilled professionals in several key sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Information Technology (IT)
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Transportation
Among these, the healthcare sector stands out as one of the most impacted, with a particularly high demand for doctors and nurses. Ireland's reliance on internationally trained healthcare professionals is notably high, with the country ranked among the EU nations most dependent on foreign-trained medical staff. Alongside Ireland, Norway and Switzerland also exhibit substantial dependency on foreign-trained doctors, while Ireland, Switzerland, and Austria show the greatest reliance on international nurses.
International Labour Dependency and Work Permit Surge
The EURES report, which tracks both labour shortages and surpluses across Europe, indicates that Ireland’s growing workforce gaps have led to a significant increase in the issuance of work permits. According to the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, 19,303 work permits were issued during the first half of 2023, marking a 20.5% rise compared to the same period in 2022.
This surge reflects the increasing demand for skilled international workers to fill the shortages across various sectors, ensuring Ireland continues to address its labour market needs efficiently. As the country navigates its way through these shortages, the reliance on foreign talent remains a pivotal part of its economic strategy.
The labour market challenges outlined in the EURES report provide a crucial snapshot of Ireland’s current employment landscape, reinforcing the need for continued recruitment efforts and international cooperation to bridge the gaps in its workforce.