Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

556. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps that are being taken to facilitate the travel of minors following the suspension of the re-entry visa for non-national children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48528/22]

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

The requirement for a re-entry visa for children under 16 remains suspended until further notice. The suspension of the re-entry visa requirement for children under 16 was introduced to minimise or avoid potential disruption to customers and their travel plans should any delays in processing occur.

Children under 16 who are currently residing in the State and who following a trip abroad wish to re-enter the State, must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian who holds an in date IRP Card with 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. Suitable documents to prove the relationship between the parent or guardian and the child are:

- A birth or adoption certificate, or guardianship papers showing your relationship with the child

- A marriage/divorce certificate if you are the child’s parent but have a different surname

- A death certificate in the case of a deceased parent

People travelling with children under 16 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/.

The Immigration Service of my Department has advised all airlines and foreign missions of the suspended re-entry visa initiative in place.

Further information about travelling with children is available on the Immigration Services Website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/at-the-border/travelling-with-children.