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Family Reunification

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Ceisteanna (503)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

503. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will exercise his discretion such that a person (details supplied) may be reunited with the person's sibling here. [13231/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of the circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy but I’m sure she will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual cases. In the normal course of events, in such cases family reunification are considered under the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015, for parents and siblings under 18 years who are exercising a right in such circumstances.

In addition, last year I also introduced an new pathway for family members from specified countries with the highest number of refugees to enable them to join under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme Humanitarian Admissions Programme 2 (IHAP).

IHAP, which operates under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, provides an opportunity to Irish citizens and persons with Convention refugee status, subsidiary protection status, and programme refugee status, who have immediate eligible family members from the current top 10 major source countries of refugees ( Syrian Arab Republic, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Myanmar, Eritrea and Burundi) to propose to the Minister for these family members to join them in Ireland.

Obviously, all such schemes must have applicable rules and IHAP’s key eligibility criteria identify the priority of the humanitarian needs targeted at those at greatest risk living in the countries specified above or in a neighbouring country. However, unique and very particular family circumstances are also examined separately on a case by case basis and I have requested my officials to look at this situation in that context.

Questions Nos. 504 and 505, inclusive, answered with Question No. 489.

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