Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
391. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice the steps that she is taking to ensure that the new immigrant investor programme does not make the public donation category more restrictive for public good projects such as hospitals and sports clubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21967/22]
View answerThe Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced in April 2012 to encourage inward investment and create business and employment opportunities in the State. The programme provides investors with the opportunity to invest in Ireland. Key to the programme is that the investments are beneficial for Ireland, generate or sustain employment and are generally in the public interest. To date, more than 1,400 IIP applications have been approved for investment with a value of over €1 Billion.
All immigration related programmes are kept under constant review to ensure their effectiveness and appropriateness, taking into consideration international and EU level developments.
The IIP has been subject to a number of reviews, both internal and external, in recent years and the second phase of the external review is being considered by my officials. Any actions and recommendations beneficial to the IIP will be assessed and evaluated and consideration will be given to their introduction.
In the meantime, applications to the IIP continue to be accepted and examined by an independent Evaluation Committee and, where assessed positively, are submitted to me for approval.
