Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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38. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a timeline for the new policy on family reunification has been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28231/13]

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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43. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service will resume processing applications for an estimated 50 cases of family reunification, which were halted in advance of a new policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28232/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 43 together.

It is anticipated that this document will be finalised shortly. This is a complex matter and there is a need to achieve the proper balance between competing interests. In relation to cases being delayed, I should point out that most of the caseload is being processed normally and those on hold pending the revised policy relate primarily to applications from non-EEA parents seeking to join their adult children in Ireland. That form of migration presents notable difficulties to immigration services throughout the world given the importance of ensuring that the State does not become unreasonably exposed to financial liability for the upkeep of such persons. All outstanding cases will be addressed on finalisation of the policy document.