Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

This issue was also raised on Committee Stage and it was pointed out then that the matter falls under the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. However, a commitment was given to state the up-to-date position on Report Stage with regard to current family reunification arrangements.

The Government decided in December 2005 to introduce a new scheme for the admission of family members of work permit holders and working visa or work authorisation holders. For this purpose, family is as defined in the Constitution. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, who has responsibility for family reunification, announced details of these new arrangements recently.

The family members of work permit holders may be brought into Ireland immediately if the permit holders are from non-visa-required countries. If they are from visa-required countries and their work permit is renewed, their family members can be brought to Ireland after one year or in the case of some highly skilled categories of workers, after three months. Family members can come to Ireland immediately if the work permit holders' income is above the family income supplement eligibility threshold, which is approximately €24,000 per annum, or after three years if the work permit holder is earning less than the supplement level but is in continuing full-time employment. Family members of work permit holders who come to Ireland under these arrangements have access to employment in all sectors, with a labour market test, and the permit is granted free of charge. This allows dependants to contribute towards the financial sustainability of their families.

Family members of persons on working visas or work authorisations may be brought to Ireland after three months and permission to remain is granted for the same period as that for the worker. Under the new arrangements to be implemented after this Bill is passed, green card holders will be permitted to bring their families to Ireland immediately.

Amendment No. 101 deals with family reunification and naturalisation as well as tax and social welfare benefits. These latter issues are covered by legislation in the relevant areas, which it would not be appropriate to address in this Bill.

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