Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
130. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice the status of the review taking place in relation to the income thresholds at which people can apply for family reunification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54088/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the position in regard to applications for family reunification is set out in the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which is available on my Department's website. The policy document sets out the rationale for applying resource requirements as part of the overall assessment of whether to approve an application for family reunification. In general terms, the sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.
As a guideline, sponsors, regardless of occupation, must have a gross income in excess of that applied by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in assessing eligibility for the Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement). In examining such applications, my Department applies the DSP income levels current at the time of assessment.
The policy, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review. The review, which is at an advanced stage, is examining a range of matters relating to applications for family reunification including the nature and suitability of current income thresholds.
