Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 511: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is possible for non EU volunteers who entered the country after 1 January 2011 and who volunteer for the maximum three year period to return to their country of origin and then reapply for entry into the country again on the same basis; if not, the minimum break required before they could be considered for a new period of volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21407/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The immigration permission granted to a volunteer is on the basis that the non-EEA national is undertaking to carry out a specific task voluntarily for a recognised charitable organisation for a defined period of time. It is never the intention that the person would remain long term in the State as a volunteer. Merely returning home and then applying to re-enter would not appear to be in keeping with the spirit of this policy. That is not to exclude the possibility that in very special circumstances a particular individual could apply to have their case considered as an exception but in the normal course the three limit must apply.

The new policy for volunteers was introduced on 1 January 2011 and any person coming here after that date would be aware of the rules in advance. Moreover since the earliest a person could exceed their three year allowance is 1 January 2014 there should be sufficient time for all the parties concerned to make their plans accordingly.