Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
181. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the regulations prescribing the minimum level of income required by sponsors pursuant to section 205 (6) (a) and the regulations pursuant to section 205(6)(b) will be published in regard to the International Protection Act 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44451/26]
View answerMigration plays an important role in Ireland's economic, social, and community life. For those granted international protection, the ability to reunite with close family members can be a significant factor in supporting stability and integration. At the same time, family reunification policy must operate within the context of finite public resources. The State has a responsibility to manage migration 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 want to firstly clarify that any international protection family reunification applications that were submitted under the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015, will continue to be assessed under those provisions.
The Deputy will note with the new International Protection Act 2026, that following their grant of international protection, sponsors will not be entitled to seek family reunification for a defined period of 2 years. As Minister, I am making regulations under section 212, for the purposes of section 205(6), and these will be published shortly.
Reflecting the challenges facing those who have been granted international protection, a number of exemptions are provided in relation to the self-sufficiency criteria. The purpose of this is to allow for a short period of reliance on state supports where an applicant is otherwise unable to provide for themselves without redress to those supports. Furthermore, minors are exempt from the income thresholds, as well as allowing for the exercise of discretion on all of the criteria in dealing with applications for family reunification from unaccompanied minors.
This approach reflects the Government's objective of supporting positive integration outcomes for both sponsors and their family members. In that context, my Department invests in a range of integration measures, including community led initiatives, to support the inclusion of migrants and their families in Irish society.
