Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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125. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the review taking place of family reunification policy, and whether this review will examine the difference in treatment between migrant workers who hold a critical skills permit and those who hold a general skills permit; when this review will be complete; if legislative change will be brought forward on foot of it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24873/25]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Today is International Day of Families. On this day last year, migrant workers - women and men contributing to our economy and our society - protested outside the Minister's Department. They did so because, under the current law, certain categories of migrant workers require both a 12-month wait and an onerous income threshold in order for their family members to come join them here in Ireland. Will this unfair and short-sighted policy change?

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for the question. As he is aware, the Department's policy document for non-EEA family reunification was last amended in 2016. It is under review. The policy document sets out the conditions for a family member to be reunited. In general terms, a sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member. The review is examining a wide range of matters relating to applications for family reunification. Officials from my Department have consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders on this.

I fully understand that some people moving to Ireland to live and work would wish to have their family join them. I acknowledge that there are different criteria between the employment permit types. The issues to be examined as part of family reunification are complex. I understand that some may find the difference in criteria between the employment permit types difficult to understand, but I assure the Deputy that the primary focus is to ensure that a sponsor is in a secure position and able to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for family members before approving applications for family members to join them here.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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This review has been going on for a very long time, and people need clarity and need to see a sensible evolution of the Department's policy. We should remind ourselves that these are hard-working people caring for our elderly and sick, driving our buses and building our homes. At the end of a hard day, they cannot come home to their husband or wife or kids in the same way the Minister of State and I can. For years their lives end up being on hold. As well as being unfair, I would argue that this policy is short-sighted. If we allowed rapid family reunification for workers, we would be more likely to gain additional workers in some of these critical areas, we would give them the best chance of living independently with two incomes and we would not be imposing that painful, unending divide between family.

Will the Minister of State give us an indication as to when he believes this review will be published, and will it contain recommendations for change?

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The review is ongoing. Without prejudging anything, I believe it will conclude soon. I am anxious, like the Deputy, to be able to come forward with that information from the review. I take on board the points he has made, but it is important to emphasise again the central point that, in terms of successful family reunification and a range of complex issues involved in it, there must be a provision for people to be able to support family members who are joining them here.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am glad the Minister of State is indicating the review will come soon.

As regards the ability to support a family, we are talking about people in full-time, stable employment at a salary level that is set by the State.

This population already contributes significantly - millions of euro - to the Exchequer every year in tax. There is clear evidence of their ability to support themselves. That will be enhanced if a second family member arrives and the law has been changed to put them in a position where they can take up work and continue to better support their family. The current system treats critical skills permit holders such as engineers and software developers better than general skills employment permit holders such as people working in care homes and nursing homes, chefs and drivers. I do not see any difference in the value they provide to our economy. I do not see why we should continue to treat them in a different way.

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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It is important to acknowledge the incredible contribution of so many migrant workers in our country in many of the jobs on which we rely in health service areas, a wide range of public services and in the private sector. People come here, work and make an incredible contribution, which we acknowledge. However, we also acknowledge, without prejudging the outcome of the review, the importance of making sure we have a sustainable system for family reunification. Part of that sustainable system is the importance of someone joining them being supported and having criteria and standards in place. The review will published and I hope I can come back to the Deputy with additional information.