Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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318. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if DNA is used to prove family relationships with all family reunification applications; if not, the system that is used; and if applicants that fail these systems are refused entry and or deported. [8650/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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All applications for family reunification made to the Immigration Service of my Department must be accompanied by evidence as to the identity of the family members and the claimed relationship between them and the applicant. Such evidence may include birth certificates, marriage certificates and identification documents.

The onus is on the applicants for family reunification to satisfy immigration officials that the familial relationship is as claimed. This is particularly important where children are involved. In cases where reasonable doubt to the biological relationship exists, the parties may be asked to provide DNA evidence in support of the claimed relationship.

Family members will only be granted a family reunification permission or a visa when my officials are satisfied that there is a genuine relationship.