Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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310. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on the review of the family reunion policy, which was due to be completed last year; if consideration will be given to amending the policy to allow individuals in full-time employment to have their family with them from the start; when it is envisaged that this review will be finalised and the review findings issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21965/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review. The review is examining a wide range of matters relating to applications for family reunification, however, I cannot pre-empt the changes to be introduced while the review is ongoing. Officials from my Department have consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders, including relevant Government departments and external organisations. I can advise the Deputy it is my expectation that the review will be brought to conclusion soon and that my officials will continue to engage with stakeholders regarding amendments to the Policy.

Insofar as current arrangements are concerned, Irish Citizens, holders of Critical Skills Employment Permits and other Category A sponsors can apply for immediate family reunification. A person residing in the State who is a Category B sponsor, such as those residing on the basis of a General Employment permits is eligible to apply for family reunification after 12 months, if they meet the income thresholds for the previous two years. Separately, it is open to spouses of general employment permit holders to apply for employment permits in their own right and enter the State for that purpose.

While I fully understand that some people moving to Ireland to live and work would wish to have their family join them, the issues to be examined as part of a family reunification application are complex. An important consideration in all family reunification applications, for example, is the ability of the sponsor to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for their family members if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.

I can also advise that, with effect from 15 May 2024, the first part of the review was implemented in that eligible spouses and partners of General Employment Permit and Intra-Corporate Transferee Irish Employment Permit holders, who have applied for and been granted family reunification, in accordance with the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, will now be registered on a Stamp 1G permission, rather than a Stamp 3. This will allow the holder to take up employment without the need to obtain a separate Employment Permit of their own.