Irish Dairy Sector Faces Challenges Due to Work Permit Quota Fill
The Irish government has announced that the quota for general employment permits for dairy farm assistants has been filled, causing concern among dairy farmers. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) confirmed this in a recent update, stating that applications currently in processing will be rejected, and no new applications should be submitted.
The quota, established under the Employment Permits Regulations 2024, was set at 1,100 permits and has been exhausted as of November 2025. This quota has been in place since 2018 to address labor shortages in agriculture, particularly during the spring season when demand for skilled workers peaks.
According to a DETE spokesperson, the department recognizes ongoing labor shortages in the agri-food sector and is in regular consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. They are reviewing employment permit eligibility following a public consultation that closed on September 19, 2023. Final recommendations are expected by early 2026.
Denis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA), has urged the government to lift the quota. He highlighted the burden on farmers who often work 80 to 90 hours a week during peak seasons and emphasized the impact on generational renewal within the dairy sector.
The ICMSA has suggested that the government should find ways to streamline the permit process, such as linking visa applications to work permits, to better support the dairy industry, which is critical to Ireland's economy.
