Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
598. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the exemptions that are in place for parents with residency in Ireland in relation to re-entering the country with a minor; if the minor is exempt from the need to have a re-entry visa in cases in which the parents who are travelling with a minor have a visa; if so, the length of time for which this measure will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have suspended the re-entry visa programme for minors under the age of 16 years currently residing in Ireland until 31 May 2022.
This is in line with the temporary extension of immigration permissions that I announced in December that permits people who held a valid permission to be in the State in March 2020 to remain until 31 May 2022, even if their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card has expired and they are awaiting a new one. Renewal is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions will continue to apply.
The suspension of the re-entry programme for minors under 16 years of age provides that any visa required non-EEA national parent with an in-date IRP card may re-enter the State with their dependent Irish resident minor children until 31 May 2022 and can rely on the notice published on my Department's immigration website when travelling, which is available at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/application-for-re-entry-visas-for-minors-under-16/
Any person is free to travel from the State regardless of whether their IRP card is in date or is expired. Adult customers who plan to travel abroad after 15 January 2022 and are returning before 31 May 2022 with their Irish resident minor children should apply to renew their immigration permission and receive a new IRP card prior to leaving the State. Otherwise, they must secure a re-entry visa in Ireland before travelling or in an overseas visa office before returning to the State.
