To: Neale Richmond TD
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail

We, the undersigned, urgently petition the Minister to reevaluate the recent decision regarding the salary threshold for Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP). We extend our appreciation for the largest-ever expansion to the employment permits system. However, the sudden increase from €32,000 to €38,000 (which comes into effect from 17th January 2024) and the subsequent increase to €44,000 in 2025 presents a severe challenge for many professionals seeking employment in Ireland.

In Ireland, the average graduate salary is € 34,000 per year or €16.77 per hour (calculated considering 39 weekly work hours). Starting salaries for entry-level professions start at €30,000 per year, with most experienced professionals earning up to €41,509 per year. Someone starting at €30K cannot expect to be promoted to €38K in two years and their 1G will have expired by then. This undermines the purpose of the third-level graduate program, which is awarded to non-EU students for seeking graduate-level employment and applying for an employment permit.

We urge reconsideration based on the following crucial points:

1. Economic Realities: The newly implemented threshold of €38,000 represents an imposing 18.75% surge from the previous benchmark of €32,000. Such a significant increase necessitates careful consideration by SMEs, making recruiting non-EUs unfeasible, particularly given the current economic situation.
   
   
2. Average Salary Increase Trends: The average salary increment in Ireland has historically hovered around 4.6% annually. If this pattern persists, a salary of €32,000 would realistically escalate to approximately €33,472 within the next year. This projected figure still falls significantly short of the newly imposed threshold of €38,000.
   
   
3. Impact of Inflation: Statistics indicate that Ireland experienced an average inflation rate of 7.79% in 2022. Inflation serves as a substantial force eroding the purchasing power of money. Consequently, a higher salary becomes imperative to maintain the same standard of living. Nevertheless, the abrupt elevation to €38,000 far surpasses the rate of inflation, exacerbating financial challenges for individuals and potentially deterring skilled graduates from seeking CSEP in Ireland.

In light of these compelling factors, we respectfully implore the Minister to reassess the revised salary threshold for Critical Skills Employment Permits. Moderation of this threshold to reflect economic realities and align with the average salary growth and inflation rates, perhaps considering an increment of €3,000, would not only promote a more equitable employment landscape but also foster an environment conducive to attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals from Irish universities.

We earnestly beseech the Minister for Business to take these considerations into account and institute a more balanced and pragmatic salary threshold for Critical Skills Employment Permits in Ireland.

Yours sincerely,
@TheSCRedemption