In an effort to address the skills gap in a variety of crucial areas amid full employment in the economy, the government has announced the largest ever expansion of the employment permit system.
Eleven new vocations have been added to the list of vital talents, including meteorologist, project engineer, professional forester, and optometrist.
A further 32 positions are now eligible for General Employment Permits.
Social Care Workers, Genetic Counsellors, Play Therapists, Autism Assistance Dog Instructors, Pig Managers, and Car and Heavy Goods Vehicle Mechanics are among them.
"As a result of effective full employment, demand on the employment permits system is very high," Neale Richmond, Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail, said.
"Last year, 40,000 permits were issued, and demand remains high this year with over 31,000 permits issued to workers outside of the EEA who are coming to Ireland to address the real skills shortages that are impacting businesses across the country."
"The changes made today will benefit businesses and indeed our society greatly."
The salary requirements for most General Employment Permit holders will also be raised from €30,000 to €34,000 in January, the first revision in almost a decade.
While healthcare assistants and home carers' wage requirements will rise from €27,000 to €30,000 in January 2024, horticulture workers' and meat processors' pay requirements will rise from €22,000 to €30,000, putting them in line with family reunification standards.
"The salary thresholds had not changed in some time and had not kept pace with inflation or economic growth," said Mr. Richmond.
"Economic migration has a significant impact on our economy and society." Migrant workers contribute much-needed skills and experience to our workforce, as well as cultural variety that benefits Irish society."
"To recognise this contribution and ensure we are offering good quality employment to these workers, the salary thresholds have been increased."
He also stated that the increased wages will be gradually in order to reconcile worker rights with the needs of businesses in preparing for the impact of these changes.
Quotas for dairy farm assistants, butchers/deboners, meat processors, and horticulturists will be increased as well.
The government also plans to implement a Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT) for General Employment Permit applications, which must reflect the updated thresholds in order to be considered valid.
Source: RTE