Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we approach the end of the year, I am keen to ensure that we meet our commitment to accept 4,000 people under the Irish refugee protection programme. It was with regard to addressing the balance of approximately 1,800 under the scheme, which arises largely due to the smaller number of asylum seekers eligible and registered under the EU programme, that I announced the establishment of a new family reunification humanitarian admission programme.

The resettlement pledges are the largest commitments for resettlement that we have made in a calendar year since our programme began almost 18 years ago.

My priority is to ensure we can support the maximum number of families rather than having a smaller number of families being able to admit larger numbers of extended family members, which could well work to the disadvantage of others.

Additional details on the operation of the programme will be announced on my website. I will be happy to engage with the Deputy directly if he requires any further information or if he has any specific concerns.

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