Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2018
91. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the operation of the Irish diaspora loan fund; the number of applications since 2012; the number of successful applications to the fund since 2012; the number of residency applications from those successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10516/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the Irish Diaspora Loan Fund (IDLF) is not a matter for my Department. I presume, however, that the Deputy is referring to applications submitted by the IDLF to the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) which was introduced by the Government in April 2012 to encourage inward investment so as to create business and employment opportunities in the State, and which is administered by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department.
I am unable to provide the Deputy with the details of the operation of the IDLF or the specific projects submitted by the IDLF due to the commercially sensitive nature of the information provided, which was received on the basis of strict confidentiality. However, I am advised that the IDLF commenced submitting applications to the IIP in 2016. Five applications have been submitted to date, of which three have been approved, for approximately 10 individuals. The other two are currently at the final stages of processing.
