Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012
378 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the immigrant investor programme and the start-up entrepreneur programme to be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12126/12]
View answer409 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the immigrant investor programme and start-up entrepreneur scheme will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12755/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 409 together.
The specific details and application procedures for both programmes, including application forms, supporting documentation and other requirements of the programmes are currently being drafted and will made available at the formal launch later this month. I would expect applications to be accepted for these programmes soon after the formal launch.
379 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to allow applications for long-term residency in respect of persons who hold business permission to remain in the State for more than five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12171/12]
View answerLong Term Residency is granted on the basis that a non-EEA national has completed five years legal residency in the State on work permit / work authorisation / working visa conditions. Residency is calculated from the corresponding Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 endorsements in an applicant's passport and not by the dates of commencement and expiry of each work permit. Periods of time where a person has not had legal residency cannot be counted in any application for long term residency. The current scheme for granting Long Term Residence is under review at the present time and the issue raised by the Deputy will be considered in that context.
