Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on fast-tracking visas for key researchers and highly skilled staff, and their spouses; his views on a fast-track for long-term residency for such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41695/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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A scheme for the admission of non-EEA researchers was established in November 2007. The purpose of the Scheme is to facilitate the admission of non-EEA nationals for the purpose of carrying out research in the State and is administered by the immigration authorities in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Irish Universities Association. The Scheme put in place arrangements which give effect to Council Directive 2005/71/EC of 12 October 2005 on a specific procedure for admitting third-country nationals for the purposes of scientific research.

An enhanced immigration regime operates for such researchers and they are generally treated as equivalent to holders of "Green Card" employment permits. This includes the possibility of immediate family reunification for spouses, partners and dependent children. Visa applications are facilitated to the greatest extent possible in accordance with the terms of the Scheme. With regard to eligibility for long term residence, researchers under the Scheme are eligible to apply for the current administrative scheme for long term residence when they have accrued 5 years residence in the State as a researcher. Furthermore, it is intended that such researchers will, subject to the enactment of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, 2008, be eligible to apply for the statutory long term residence status set out in the Bill.

While the standard eligibility requirement for this status will be at least five years satisfactory residence in the State, it is intended that green card work permit holders and researchers will be eligible to apply for long term residence after two years. This is by any standards a generous approach. Long term resident status will confer rights that approach those of Irish nationals and bring with it access, for the foreign national and his or her qualifying dependants, to the Irish employment market and State-funded services and benefits. The tangible benefits enjoyed by holders of this status are an acknowledgement by the State that, over time, those who migrate to Ireland contribute increasingly to society and the economy and have earned this status and the stability it brings. Further details on the above Scheme can be accessed on the website of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (www.entemp.ie) and the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).