Denis Naughten
Ceist:117 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to reform the immigration system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22702/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 May 2012
Ceisteanna (68)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government's plans for the immigration system are outlined in the Programme for Government which commits to the introduction of comprehensive reforms to the immigration, residence and asylum systems including a statutory immigration appeals mechanism, which will articulate rights and obligations in a transparent manner.
The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010 was restored to the Dáil Order paper and appropriate amendments to the Bill, including an appeals mechanism in respect of immigration related cases have been prepared by the Department. It was my intention to bring forward amendments to the Bill on Committee Stage. However, as recently announced, I have decided to republish the Bill later this year. The republished legislation will take account of the Government's initiatives announced in the Programme for Government.
The Programme for Government also details commitments in key sectors which will be supported by specific immigration initiatives. A great deal of progress has been made in relation to these objectives—
The Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme commenced on 1 July 2011 and was scheduled to run on a pilot basis until the end of October 2012 taking in the period of the London Olympics. I was happy to announce in March of this year that I had secured Government agreement for the extension of this Programme for a further period of four years. This initiative is a very positive step in encouraging visitors to Ireland and is an integral part of the Government's Jobs Initiative and is intended to promote tourism, particularly from emerging markets.
On 24 January 2012, the Government approved two new schemes, proposed by myself, which are designed to stimulate investment and enterprise in Ireland by suitably qualified foreign nationals. The Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start up Entrepreneur Programme were formally launched on 30 March and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service has been open to accept applications since 16 April. The Programmes capitalise on the opportunities that exist for or immigration system to tap into the entrepreneurial capacity of current and future migrants and also to bring investment into Ireland.
I am continuing to work with my officials on further reforms to policy and administration in the immigration area. For example, a civilian Immigration Officer pilot project is underway at Dublin Airport, involving Department of Justice and Equality staff assigned to immigration control duties at the airport. These staff members will work in association with Gardaí in performing this vital screening function. This project is set against a backdrop of reducing Garda numbers, continued commitment to the civilianisation of appropriate tasks, and the need to look afresh at how public services are delivered.
Other initiatives and reforms that are in train include the development of a comprehensive policy approach to family reunification or settlement and the completion of work on the development of an English language/civics test for naturalisation applicants. The Deputy will also be aware of the commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to the potential transfer of responsibility for the Passport Office to my Department.