Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021
121. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to issues in relation to the progression of the regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants (details supplied); if her Department is working to address those concerns and challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36695/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra132. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the scheme to regularise undocumented migrants; the targets for the commencement of the scheme; the estimated number of persons to be regularised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36299/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Justice the impact the proposed changes and regularisation of the direct provision scheme will have on persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36837/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 132 and 138 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, proposals for a draft scheme to regularise undocumented migrants are being developed in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to bring forward a regularisation scheme within 18 months of the formation of the Government. This will create new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents. Applicants will need to meet specific criteria and these will be formed with a clear consideration of Ireland's European Union (EU) and Common Travel Area (CTA) commitments.
My Department has conducted a wide-ranging public consultation on the proposed scheme which has provided a valuable opportunity to hear from those effected by the proposed approach to the scheme. My objective is to ensure that the scheme is as inclusive as possible.
Following the consultation process the Department continues to work to finalise the details, including eligibility considerations and qualifying criteria, and also to design and manage the practical aspects to enable applications to be made and processed as efficiently as possible. The specific qualifying criteria will be guided by, among other things, the learning from previous regularisation schemes, such as the 2018 Student Scheme, and schemes operated by other EU Member States.
As outlined in the Justice Plan 2021, the scheme will be opened to applications before the end of year.
