Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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461. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the facilities for acquiring visas or citizenship for persons from outside the EU who want to invest here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22320/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Immigrant Investor Programme was approved by Government in early 2012 and has been accepting applications since April 2012. The Programme offers residency in Ireland to foreign national investors who commit to approved investment options. Full details of the Immigrant Investor Programme are available from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service web pages - www.inis.gov.ie. Ireland does not offer citizenship in return for investment. The naturalisation process is outlined in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, and applies to all foreign nationals who wish to become Irish citizens.

For the Deputy's information, to date the total investment committed under both Programmes is of the order of €10.5 million and that it is projected that 270 jobs will be retained or created on foot of these investments in the ICT, recycling and financial services areas. In addition, two organisations, one educational and the other a charity, are receiving substantial endowments to support and develop their activities.