Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
339. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice whether she had any prior dealings, meetings and correspondence and so on, with the beneficiaries of an investment from applicants under the Immigrant Investment Programme in relation to a proposed or live application being submitted under that scheme; if so, to detail each such communication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31744/23]
View answer340. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice whether she signed off on all Immigrant Investment Programme applications which were granted during her period in office as Minister for Justice; whether in any case she deemed herself conflicted knowing an applicant or a beneficiary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31755/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 340 together.
As Minister for Justice a wide range of correspondence is sent to me regarding the full scope of my Ministerial responsibilities. This correspondence is suitably and appropriately addressed by my office and by the line Division in my Department.
Any IIP applicants corresponding regarding their application are advised to communicate directly with the IIP Unit, within the Immigration Service in my Department. I can confirm that I did not meet any IIP applicant regarding their IIP application.
All projects in which IIP applicants are investing are examined in detail by an Independent Evaluation Committee comprising officials from my Department, the Department of Finance, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland who have appropriate expertise in this area.
This examination process involves an assessment of the commercial viability of the project; employment outcomes associated with the proposed investment; and the overall benefit to the Irish State. 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 the Minister for final approval. I have approved all applications which were recommended through this process during my time as Minister for Justice. No conflicts of interest have arisen in this regard.
