Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to offer stamp 4 or other residency status to immigrants who have been here for more than five years and have established strong links here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22822/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Ireland operates a very open immigration system with many legal pathways open to persons who apply to come here in accordance with the immigration laws in place in the State. The purpose for which someone intends to reside in the State determines their immigration status and the specific conditions attached to their permission is reflected in the type of immigration stamp provided. 

The Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department operates a wide range of schemes for various categories of persons, including, international students, workers, business persons, family members and a wide range of other categories such as retirees, volunteers and ministers of religion. 

In addition, once a person is in the State on a specific permission, there are a number of ways in which someone, because of changed circumstances may seek to alter their immigration permission.  For example, a non-EEA holder of five consecutive employment permits may apply for Long Term Residency subject to eligibility requirements or a non-EEA Critical Skills employment permit holder or Researcher may apply for a similar status after two years.  In addition, there are schemes in place for persons who marry or are partners of Irish citizens, etc. The full range of schemes are set-out on the INIS website (inis.gov.ie).  These schemes are designed to be flexible and to cater for changing circumstances of applicants. Accordingly, there are no plans to introduce a time based scheme along the lines proposed by the Deputy.