George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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491. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he plans to institute a visa scheme to facilitate the moving to Ireland of those engaged on a self-employed basis in the creative or cultural sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9090/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I can advise the Deputy that Ireland supports legal migration for many sectors of the economy, including the creative and cultural industries.

In general, when a person requires an immigration permission to move to Ireland for work purposes, this is granted on the basis that they have been granted an employment permit linked to a particular employer. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) administers the employment permit system, which includes a Sport and Cultural Employment Permit. A person who has been issued a permit by DETE must then apply to my Department for immigration permission.

Separately, there are also other options under my Department that, in certain circumstances, allow a person to move to work in Ireland for more than 90 days, including to start a business in the State. Further details are available at the following link:

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My Department keeps all immigration policies under review, however, there are currently no plans to make specific immigration arrangements for those who work on a self-employed basis in the creative or cultural sectors at this time.