Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I stress that a number of factors mus be taken into account when an application for family reunification is being considered. These factors may include, for example, whether the sponsor is an Irish citizen, the immigration status of the person with an entitlement to reside in Ireland, and the closeness of the relationship with the family member. All of these factors are considered, in addition to the sponsor's ability to demonstrate a certain minimum level of earnings. In this way, it is important that family reunification is understood in the wider context of Government policy. Government sets out immigration policy. Everybody accepts that we need to balance the interests of the individual and of the community. As I have stated, economic considerations are an important factor when assessing family reunification cases. The economic benefits that may accrue from migration must be balanced with the costs to the State in terms of education, housing, healthcare and welfare that may arise from family migration. For example, the financial thresholds for those seeking family reunification with an elderly dependant relative will be higher due to the potential burden on State services. What we do in Ireland in respect of policy is in line with the general approach to immigration taken by European countries. In addition to the policy document criteria and legal entitlements for specific categories such as persons granted international protection and those availing of EU free movement, I have also introduced targeted schemes such as the Irish refugee protection humanitarian admission programme and have built family reunification into certain types of immigration commissions I have outlined.I have also introduced targeted schemes such as the Irish refugee protection humanitarian admission programme, as well as building family reunification into certain types of immigration commissions.

I thank the Senator for raising the issue. I am sure we will have the opportunity to return to this at a future date.