Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

717. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason that the re-entry visa programme for minors under the age of 16 years currently residing in Ireland has been suspended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37020/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Non-EEA nationals residing long term in the State must register once they reach 16 years of age. Prior to this, they are classified as a dependent on their parent's permission. A re-entry visa was therefore required for children under 16 if travelling on a passport issued by a visa required country.

The re-entry visa requirements for children under 16 have been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice. Processing of these applications requires customers to submit their passports. There is an extremely high demand from customers wishing to travel during the summer months. Suspending the re-entry visa requirements for children under 16 allowed my Department to minimise or avoid potential disruption to customers and their summer travel plans should any delays in processing occur.

Children under 16 who are currently residing in the State and who wish to re-enter the State, must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian who holds an in date immigration permission to reside in the State. The adult accompanying the child must also provide appropriate documentation to prove they are the legal parent or guardian of the child in question.

People travelling may rely on the published notice on my Department's immigration website at:

www.irishimmigration.ie/suspension-of-re-entry-visa-requirements-for-children-under-the-age-of-16-years/.

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

718. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of immigration officers currently employed at each port of entry; the number who are employed full time and part time, respectively in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37021/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, every State has a duty to protect its borders and to refuse entry to people not entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights.

The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. As of 5 July 2022, the staff deployed to the BMU are outlined in the table below:

Other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). I have sought the information requested from the Garda Commissioner regarding the other ports of entry to the State, and I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.