Immigration Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2014

Thursday, 27 November 2014

Questions (117)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration may be provided to amendment of immigration laws here along the lines recently announced by President Obama in respect of undocumented immigrants including Irish in the US; if these proposals will be studied with a view to offering a similar concession to undocumented immigrants here who have been good citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45695/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

There are no current plans to amend our immigration laws in the manner suggested by the Deputy. Indeed, while I appreciate his concerns on the issue, it is the responsibility of all non-EEA nationals who are resident in the State to ensure that they have an appropriate permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality. Most migrants do in fact comply with this condition and obey the State's immigration laws.

Ireland has shown itself to be a country that is open to migration and it is quite clear that those who opt to abide by our rules benefit from doing so. For instance, since March 2011 over 78,000 immigrants have been naturalised; in the past three years over 240,000 visas have been issued to tourists, students, business people and so forth to enable them to come here.

At the end of 2013 there were over 109,000 non-EEA nationals resident in the State. Ireland continues to provide a safe haven to those who come here to seek our protection.