Regulations relating to the rights of residence for EU nationals and their dependants are contained in the European Communities (Aliens) Regulation 1977 (S. I. No. 393 of 1977) and the European Communities (Rights of Residence for Non-Economically Active Persons) Regulation 1997 (S. I. No. 57 of 1997) which give effect to the relevant council directives on rights of residence. These arrangements are, therefore, fully in line with practices throughout the EU.
Persons who qualify under the regulations can be issued with a residence permit for a maximum period of five years. There is no change for this service.
My Department produces a general information leaflet on this subject, a copy of which I am forwarding to the Deputy.