Jewish Community.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004

Thursday, 7 October 2004

Questions (230)

Trevor Sargent

Question:

230 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many young Irish Jews are emigrating to more vibrant Jewish communities around the world; if he intends to make it easier for young Jews from eastern Europe or Israel, for example, to move here and help rejuvenate this country’s Jewish community. [23933/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Significant numbers of people from all over the world, including Eastern Europe and Israel, have legally migrated to the State for a variety of purposes, in particular for employment. Furthermore, EU citizens enjoy rights to free movement under the European treaties and many have exercised their right to work in Ireland. However, I am not aware of the religious or ethnic origin of these people.

The Irish immigration system does not make any distinction on the basis of religion or ethnic origin nor does any policy exist to encourage migration of persons of any religion or any ethnic origin to the State.