Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The programme was originally set up, a long time ago now, with the view to encouraging the diaspora to invest back in Ireland and create jobs here. Over time, it has morphed into something else and not what was intended. For that reason, the Minister, Deputy Harris, on advice, has taken the decision to close entry to new applicants, I think as of close of business today. Having said that, where there has been engagement with the Department already, there will be a grace period of up to three months for applications that either have come in already or have not come in yet.

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