Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2013
151. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to alter the existing time limits on the designation of de facto relationships for the purposes of granting working visas for non-EEA citizens, whereby the current two year threshold applies a high burden on those couples wishing to reside and work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4641/13]
View answerBefore being granted immigration permission to enter the workforce, persons in a "de facto" relationship must be able to satisfy the immigration authorities that the partnership is genuine and durable and that the partners are residing, or intending to reside, as a family unit in the State. In the case of a "de facto" relationship between a non EEA national and an Irish/EEA national, this is demonstrated by producing, for example, evidence of the finances of both parties, tenancy agreements, utility bills and so on covering a two year period. This is a reasonable request of anyone intending to enter/remain and work in the State based on these circumstances and as such I have no plan to make any changes to the current system.
