Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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1673. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the systems in place to allow ministers of religion to enter this country on visas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46604/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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An eligible person can seek a Ministers of Religion permission to enter and remain in Ireland through a specific immigration scheme, the details of which are available on my Department’s website at the following address: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-options-for-working-in-ireland/coming-to-work-for-more-than-90-days/minister-of-religion/.

This scheme is designed to provide an avenue which allows qualifying religious personnel to remain in the State for up to three years, where there is a demonstrated need for their services and subject to compliance with all other immigration requirements that apply in individual cases. A person may be eligible for one extension of this three year period of a further three consecutive years.

Permission to work as a Minister of Religion allows the applicant to work with an eligible religious body or faith community subject to certain conditions.

If a person who is a visa required national, wishes to visit the State for a short period to attend a course or to attend meetings it is open for them to apply for a short term study or conference visa.