First FRS New Zealand recruit begins work in Cork

The FRS has been working to help ease the labour shortage in the dairy sector by recruiting workers from New Zealand.

24 January 2018

First FRS New Zealand recruit begins work in Cork

Despite the number of people trained and recruited by the FRS, Teagasc still estimates that 6,000 people will be needed in the sector in the next decade. \ Ramona Farrelly

The first dairy farm worker from New Zealand has arrived to work on a farm in Co Cork, as part of the Farm Relief Service’s (FRS) recruitment drive to meet demand for dairy workers.

A spokesperson for FRS confirmed that a second worker from New Zealand will arrive this week.

She said foreign recruitment “is an ongoing process that we hope will provide part of the solution to the labour issue, but the corresponding peak dairy times between Ireland and New Zealand would suit workers.”

Currently, workers from New Zealand can come to Ireland on a working holiday visa. However, to return for a second year would be an issue under current legislation.

The IFA has high hopes that a second submission to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, requesting an easing of visa requirements for dairy workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) will be accepted this year.

Dairy labour demand up 20%

Farm workers ‘not in short supply’ – Department of Jobs

Dairy
Labour

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