David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is provision to enable the granting of permanent residency in the State for non-EU nationals who have expressed a wish to live permanently here and who would not be a burden on the State; if he has plans to make such a provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10005/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Under various legislative provisions derived from EU Directives non-EEA family members of EEA nationals can live in Ireland on a permanent basis. There are also other administrative arrangements in place which enable long-term non-EEA lawful residents in the State to remain here on a permanent basis provided they meet self-sufficiency requirements.

On the wider question of putting in place arrangements for persons from non-EEA countries who wish to come here and live on a permanent basis, my Department is continuing to keep the situation under review. A major concern in this respect is whether such persons can remain self-sufficient while here. As the Deputy will appreciate, a person's financial circumstances can change often dramatically and it would be highly undesirable for the State to be left with financial responsibility even where the migrant had at the time of their coming to Ireland every intention of supporting themselves without any call on State supports.