Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
871. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the systems in place to respond to ensuring availability for religious ministers and leaders, for faith communities and religions where there may be limited availability of locally trained clergy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30060/26]
View answerAn eligible person can seek a Minister of Religion's permission to enter and remain in Ireland through a specific immigration scheme, the details of which are available on my Department’s website at the following address: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-options-for-working-in-ireland/coming-to-work-for-more-than-90-days/minister-of-religion/
This scheme is designed to provide an avenue which allows qualifying religious personnel to remain in the State for up to three years, where there is a demonstrated need for their services and subject to compliance with all other immigration requirements that apply in individual cases. A person may be eligible for one extension of this three year period of a further three consecutive years.
Permission to work as a Minister of Religion allows the applicant to work with an eligible religious body or faith community subject to certain conditions.
