Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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133. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether he will bring forward policy changes regarding the right of migrant workers with work permits to reunify with family members here in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24872/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I recognise the enormous contribution made by migrant workers to the Irish economy and society. It is a central priority for me, as Minister for State with responsibility for Migration, that our immigrations laws are fair and efficient. An important part of this is having legal pathways for workers and their families.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department’s Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review. The Policy Document sets out the conditions for a sponsor to apply for a family member to be reunited with them in Ireland. In general terms, a sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member.

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 next stage of the review will be brought to a conclusion soon. My officials will continue to engage with stakeholders regarding amendments to the Policy.

While I fully understand that some people moving to Ireland to live and work would wish to have their family join them, and acknowledge that there are different criteria between the employment permit types, the issues to be examined as part of a family reunification application are complex.

I also understand that some may find the difference in criteria between the employment permit types difficult to understand, however, I can assure the Deputy that the primary focus is to ensure that a sponsor is in a secure position and is able to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for family members before approving applications for family to join them here.

I can also advise that, with effect from 15 May 2024, the first part of the review was implemented. Eligible spouses and partners of General Employment Permit and Intra-Corporate Transferee Irish Employment Permit holders, who have been granted family reunification, are now registered on a Stamp 1G permission, rather than a Stamp 3. This allows the holder to take up employment without the need to obtain a separate Employment Permit of their own.