Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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577. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider changes to general employment permits to allow those coming to work as health care assistants to bring their spouses and children to live in the State by amending income criteria in line with the wage rate in private nursing homes; if he will consider waiving the need for qualified nurses to undertake QQI level 5 training as health care assistants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25010/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy notes, the position in regard to applications of this nature is set out in the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification,which is available on my Department's website. The policy, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review.

The policy document sets out the rationale for applying resource requirements as part of the overall assessment of whether to approve an application for family reunification. In general terms, the sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.

As a guideline, Category B sponsors such as those on General Employment Permits, regardless of occupation, must have a gross income in excess of that applied by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in assessing eligibility for the Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement). In examining such applications, my Department applies the DSP income levels current at the time of assessment.

My Department has no responsibility for setting the educational qualifications or training requirements for Health Care Assistants or any other profession.