Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014
221. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will explain the discrepancy between the Irish treatment of Chinese nationals trying to secure permanent residency in Ireland versus the treatment of Irish people trying to enter and stay in China (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1876/14]
View answerThe Deputy’s assertions that the Irish Immigration system does not allow Chinese nationals to work or secure permanent residence in Ireland are untrue. In fact, in 2013 alone, approx 11,000 Chinese nationals were registered in the State in respect of that year. These persons are registered for the purposes of employment or study, to operate a business or as a dependant family member of an Irish or EEA national residing in the State. There are several channels open to non-EEA migrants of any nationality who wish to reside in Ireland. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation operates the employment permit system which offers the opportunity of working in Ireland to those with specific skill sets or qualifications. The State is also actively promoting Ireland as an education destination for overseas students and there are over 30,000 non-EEA national students in Ireland at present. Non-EEA national students are entitled to work in Ireland during the course of their studies and, on qualification at degree level, may avail of the Irish Graduate Scheme – a post study pathway that can lead to permanent residence. In addition, my own Department operates schemes which facilitate investors and entrepreneurs in relocating to Ireland on a permanent basis.
The Deputy should also be aware that I have recently published a policy document on family reunification which comprehensively outlines Irish national policy in the area of non-EEA nationals joining their family members in Ireland. I would point out that, in common with family reunification policies in most jurisdictions, adult children are not regarded as dependents and are generally outside the definition of family members who are eligible to avail of family reunification programmes. However, that does not prohibit them from visiting family members or seeking residence in their own right, or indeed from making an application to have any special circumstances applicable to their case considered on their merits.
