Lack of Work Permits for Dairy Farmers Concerning

IFA Dairy Chair Martin McElearney has said that an expansion of the permit allowance for dairy farm assistants is urgently needed for those who are reliant on permit holders for the Spring workload.

“We highlighted our recommendations for more permits and permits for dairy farm managers to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) back in September and since then we had further engagements with Department officials on the matter,” he said.

“We understand that an inter-departmental meeting took place between DAFM and DETE last week on the matter, but have yet to see more permits issued,” he continued.

Since their introduction 1,100 permits have been issued, providing a very valuable workforce to the dairy sector. However, in 2025 farmers and agents have become very frustrated with the application process leading to significant delays.

“Additional permits need to be issued immediately and a swift application process must commence. Cows will be calving in six weeks’ time and we need to ensure farms are equipped with sufficient labour,” Martin McElearney concluded.