John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1438.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to examine a case for visa extensions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31102/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that Ireland supports the entry of migrants through legal pathways, to facilitate migration into the State. These include arrangements for various categories of persons, including; workers, international students and family members.

Details of these pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link:

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA national must have an employment permit granted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) or a permission granted by the Minister for Justice that permits employment. If a person does not meet the criteria for an immigration permission that permits employment, as a non-EEA national they will need to seek an employment permit. A prospective employer must first obtain an employment permit in respect of them.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for the administration of employment permit applications, my Department is responsible for visas applications to travel to Ireland from visa required nationals. There are two separate application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.

I can advise the Deputy that my Department does not have a specific immigration pathway or visa category for sport professionals. However, a sport professional may for apply for a Sport and Cultural Employment Permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Matters relating to employment permits do not fall within the remit of the Immigration Service and are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Further information relating to employment permits can be found on that Department's website, www.enterprise.gov.ie.