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For Oral Answer on : 23/04/2024
Question Number(s): 43 Question Reference(s): 17711/24
Department: Justice
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 11 and 26 of 22 February 2024, her Department’s progress with regard to granting spouses or partners of those working in Ireland under intra-company transfer employment permits the necessary permission to gain access to the labour market; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
My Department recognises the immense contribution migrants are making to Ireland.
The current arrangements governing family reunification applications for non-EEA family members are set out in this document – https://www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
These arrangements reflect the long standing requirement that work permit holders seeking to be joined by their families should be in secure and sustained employment and in a position to support their family members without recourse to public funds.
However, the policy is currently under review and my Department is continuing to engage with key internal and external stakeholders on the complex issues involved. As part of this review, we are very conscious of the important role that migrant workers make to our economy and broader society. We are also very much aware of the need to enhance Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination for skilled and migrant workers, ensuring the long term sustainability of our economy and addressing our future demographic challenges, while at the same time providing opportunities for migrant families who contribute so much to our society.
In particular we are prioritising consideration of the issue of whether spouses and partners of Intra-Company Transferees should have the right to work in Ireland and we expect to conclude that part of the review shortly.
