Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:76. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the review of the family reunification policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38191/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 September 2024
Ceisteanna (76)
Freagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy, the review of the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which was last amended in 2016, is examining a wide range of matters relating to applications for family reunification, including the nature and suitability of current income thresholds and waiting periods. My Department has consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders and the expectation is that the review will be brought to a conclusion in the coming months.
While I fully understand that all people moving to Ireland to live and work would wish to have their family join them, the issues to be examined as part of a family reunification application are complex. An important consideration in all family reunification applications, for example, is the ability of the sponsor to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.
With effect from 15 May 2024, the first part of the review has been implemented, in that eligible spouses and partners of General Employment Permit and Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit holders who have been granted family reunification in accordance with the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, are now permitted to take up employment without the need to obtain employment permits of their own. This was already the case for eligible spouses and partners of Critical Skills Employment Permits holders and researchers on Hosting Agreements.