Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017
127. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures which have been taken to review the ban on Libyan citizens obtaining visas for Ireland; her views on whether this ban is fair in view of the hardships endured by Libyan citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18303/17]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that certain restrictions on consideration of Irish visa applications from residents of Libya have been in place since August, 2014 due to the political and security situation in Libya. In doing so, all relevant considerations including the ongoing security situation in Libya and the potential economic impact of the restrictions were taken into account.
There is provision for a small number of exceptions relating to the beef industry where applications may be accepted from persons who are known to and sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and/or An Bord Bia and who have a good travel history to Ireland, the UK or the Schengen countries. Certain applications in relation to the oil industry and which are supported by the internationally recognised Government in Libya are also considered.
The position has been kept under review by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department. Ultimately, an appropriate balance must be struck between State security and individual applicants who wish to come here. More recently, I have asked my officials to look again at the restrictions in place to consider if there may be some scope to extend the categories of applicants who may be considered for visa processing.
