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Immigrant Investor Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Questions (902)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

902. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the refusal of an application by investors (details supplied) under the immigrant investor programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21320/20]

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Written answers

The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) provides non-EEA nationals with a number of options to invest in Ireland. Successful applicants are granted a permission to reside in Ireland for a fixed period.

Applications are assessed by an Evaluation Committee, composed of senior civil and public servants from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies involved in enterprise development in Ireland. Applications are assessed on the basis of the profile of the applicant, the commercial viability of the project, employment outcomes associated with the proposed investment and the overall benefit to the Irish State. Where necessary, the Evaluation Committee will request policy input from the Lead Department if that Department is not already represented on the Committee, for example, input from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on Social Housing projects.

The Committee makes a determination as to whether a project is suitable for IIP investment and if deemed suitable, the individual application will be submitted to me for final approval. The current structure ensures that I, as Minister, can benefit from expertise beyond that available in my own Department.

The IIP is focused on supporting projects that are investment ready projects. A criteria for establishing same is that planning permission has been granted. With regard to the project referred to by the Deputy, at the time that the application was being considered planning permission for the development had not been granted. The Evaluation Committee would not consider it appropriate for IIP permissions to be granted to projects where planning permission has not been approved.

My Department understands that planning permission has now been obtained. It is open to the applicants to submit a fresh application if they so wish. However, it would be preferable that before any further applications are submitted, the Project Sponsors engage directly in a meaningful manner with the relevant lead Department to ensure that any concerns are addressed appropriately in advance of the submission of a new application.

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