Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
284. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure that when applying for a visa, a non-European Economic Area national who is the spouse of an Irish citizen is not treated less favourably than a spouse of an European Union citizen who is from a third country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2110/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that applications for visas in cases mentioned by the Deputy are made either in accordance with the provisions of S.I. No. 656 of 2006 European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 as amended, or in accordance with the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. The law in relation to EU citizens is governed by the EU Free Movement Directive. In relation to Irish citizens cases are decided in accordance with the Policy Document as outlined above. The Policy Document is kept under review and is updated on a periodic basis. Further information can be found on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie/visas.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
