Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
71. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that persons who have residency rights, but who have family members who would qualify for refugee status, are precluded from applying for a family reunification; the reason for this; and if she will reform this legislation. [11262/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it is open to family dependent members to apply to join their non-EEA family members who are employed and resident in the State. An application can be made in accordance with the Family Reunification Policy document, details of which are published on the INIS website, www.inis.gov.ie. The dependent family members who meet the criteria as set out in this document may apply from outside the State for the relevant visa (if visa required) to enter the State to join their family. If they are not a visa required national they may apply when they arrive in the State.
Any person who wishes to claim asylum must be present in the State. Their application will then be assessed on its merits by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC).
