David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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183. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the religious volunteer visa programme; the changes that may have been made to the programme; the changes that may be made to the programme in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19887/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that Religious bodies may participate in the Volunteering in Ireland scheme which is open to all non-EEA nationals. The scheme was temporarily suspended at the end of 2017, pending the introduction of a new preclearance procedure. The new scheme, Volunteering in Ireland, became operational on the 30April 2018.

The new preclearance procedure applies to both visa and non-visa required nationals who are seeking to remain in Ireland for periods greater than 90 days as a volunteer. Prior to arrival in the State, applicants must have applied for, and been granted, preclearance approval by INIS. The criteria for obtaining this permission are outlined in the policy document for the scheme, available on the INIS website.

As outlined in the policy document, the Volunteering in Ireland scheme will be reviewed after three years of operation.