Calls are being made to fast-track work permit applications from outside of the European Economic Area to help relieve the backlog of pigs in the market.
According to the Irish Farmers Association the lack of processing workers has put the pig sector under extreme pressure.
Roy Gallie, IFA pigs chairman said the current shortage of labour has stretched the situation to breaking point.
Mr Gallie outlined the continuous nature of pig production requires a constant flow through the farm.
“IFA is aware that a number of work permit applications have been submitted to DTEE over the past number of months, but these have not been processed.
“It’s imperative that these permits are issued immediately to allow these skilled workers into the country,” he added.
Repeated calls have been made for the introduction of the quota-based pilot work permit scheme for pig and poultry farms.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin acknowledged there was an issue with work permits, visa and ensuring there is an adequate labour supply in the market.
He said the Government is looking at facilitating a faster and more flexible approach to get people into sectors where there are labour shortages.
LSL News.