Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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185. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to allow spouses of non-EU PhD students the right to work in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64053/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that spouses and de-facto partners of non-EU PhD students are registered on a Stamp 2A immigration permission where they are residing in the State as a dependent of a non-EEA national PhD student on Stamp 2 conditions.

It is open to such people to apply for an Employment Permit in their own right if they wish to work in Ireland. Matters relating to employment permits are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Further information relating to employment permits can be found on that Department's website, www.enterprise.gov.ie

I can also inform the Deputy that it is open to any person to apply for a change of immigration status if they meet the criteria for doing so. Detailed information on how to change immigration status is available on my Departments Immigration Service website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/changing-your-immigration-permission/.

While all immigration schemes are kept under constant review, there are no plans to amend current rules for spouses of PhD Students along the lines suggested by the Deputy.