Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the plans he has to reform the immigration system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7009/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Government's plans for the immigration system are outlined in the Programme for Government which commits to the introduction of comprehensive reforms to the immigration, residence and asylum systems including a statutory immigration appeals mechanism, which will articulate rights and obligations in a transparent manner.

Deputies will be aware that the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010 has been restored to the Dáil Order paper. It is my intention to bring forward amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage. One of my main objectives is to provide for a transparent and efficient immigration system which will support the overall economic and social goals of the Government. This will be complemented by a commitment to fair procedures for migrants supported by the statutory appeals mechanism which I have asked my officials to develop.

The Programme for Government also elaborates on programmes in key sectors which will be supported by specific immigration initiatives.

I will explore with my Government colleagues the possibility of a new agreement on visitor visas with the United Kingdom, offering tourists the opportunity to visit the UK and Ireland with one visa, at a reasonable cost to tap into the tourism market for significant events such as the forthcoming 2012 Olympics.

The recent launch of the Education Ireland brand underpins the Government's commitment to encourage more international students to study in Ireland and to create new jobs in the sector. Our target is to double the number of international students studying in Ireland with a particular focus on students from India, China and the Middle East. To that end we will overhaul the student visa regime and ensure that advertising, diaspora policies and quality assurance systems are strategically developed to best position the international education sector. I am aware that a lot of work has already been done in this area and in some cases it is a matter of bringing that process to a speedy and successful conclusion.

We will also look at the immigration regime to see what we can do to provide further encouragement to postgraduates and researchers. We will also permit postgraduate students to be allowed to work in Ireland for up to a year after they complete their studies. High-value research students will be permitted to bring families if they are staying more than two years.

I am also of the view that we need to look at how we can use the immigration system to tap into the entrepreneurial capacity of current and future migrants and also to bring investment into Ireland. My Department is looking at proposals in this area.

The commitments regarding the immigration system will be underpinned by the Government's programme for public sector reform. In addition to the independent appeals mechanism which I have already spoken of, we will examine the structures which deliver immigration policies with a view to improving overall performance and added value for the taxpayers. We have committed to the efficient processing and determination of citizenship applications within a reasonable period of time and already I have asked my officials to consider the administrative or legislative reforms which will be required in this area. I am determined to ensure that progress in reducing backlogs in this area is made at an early date.

The Deputy will also be aware of the commitment in the programme for Government in relation to the potential transfer of responsibility for the Passport Office to my Department.