The DETE quota of 200 General Employment Permits for car mechanics has been filled. If your garage still needs to recruit, register your interest below and we'll keep you informed on any new quota allocation.
On 19 March 2026, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) confirmed that the General Employment Permit quota of 200 permits for car mechanics, motor mechanics, auto electricians, and motor vehicle technicians has been filled. No new applications are being accepted.
But the skills shortage in Ireland's automotive sector hasn't gone away. Garages across the country are still struggling to recruit qualified mechanics through local channels. The demand is there, the permits are not.
Foresight is collecting expressions of interest from employers to lobby for the quota to be extended. The more businesses that register, the stronger the case we can present to DETE for a new allocation. If a new quota is issued, registered businesses will be first to know.
All 200 permits for car mechanics were allocated as of 19 March 2026. No new applications are being accepted by DETE.
Irish garages still can't find qualified mechanics locally. The demand for skilled workers hasn't changed.
We're collecting expressions of interest from employers to lobby for the quota to be extended. If a new quota is issued, registered businesses will be first to know.
We're collecting expressions of interest from employers to lobby for the quota to be extended. If a new quota is issued, registered businesses will be first to know.
Expression of interest form for Irish garages seeking to recruit car mechanics under the DETE General Employment Permit quota.
If you'd like to discuss the DETE automotive permit quota or your recruitment options, get in touch.