Tipperary TD Michael Lowry is calling for a relaxation of restrictions on international recruitment to address labour shortages.
The Thurles based TD wants the work permit process to be more flexible, faster and less bureaucratic.
Deputy Lowry cited a range of industries with labour shortages such as hotels, pubs, agriculture, transport, meat processing, and the healthcare service in support of his proposal.
The Dáil heard that 79% of IT companies report difficulty in finding skilled talent.
In response, the Tánaiste says that Ireland has never had more people working in the economy since surveys began in 1998, adding that there are over 2.6 million now working.
40,000 Work Permits were issued last year. The Tánaiste Micheal Martin says a review, particularly of the Occupations List that qualify for work permits will commence next month.
