Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
184. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline his proposed changes to the rules around family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6203/26]
View answer193. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will reconsider the introduction of stricter rules for family reunification of refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6187/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 193 together.
As Minister, I know and understand the importance of migration for Ireland. Migration benefits our economy, our public services, our infrastructure and has contributed to making contemporary Ireland a dynamic and successful society. For those who are granted international protection, I appreciate how important reuniting with their family is.
I want to enable a family reunification system for sponsors who are beneficiaries of international protection that reflects the reality that we do not have unlimited resources, that Government is required to control immigration in the interests of the economic and social wellbeing of the country, and the importance of encouraging independence and self-sufficiency from an integration perspective. I will introduce family reunification provisions into the International Protection Bill at Committee Stage that reflect those aims and that will more closely align with other EU Member States.
An important consideration in all family reunification applications is the ability of the sponsor to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for their family members if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland. I also propose to include provision that adults who are beneficiaries of international protection will not be entitled to seek family reunification for a certain period following their grant of international protection.
This approach reflects the Government's objective of promoting effective integration outcomes for both sponsors and their family members. In that context, my Department invests in a range of measures related to integration, including community led initiatives, to support the inclusion of migrants and their families in Irish society.
