Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
487. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when the review submitted to his Department in 2020 regarding the investor visa programme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7560/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra498. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if he will publish the review of the immigrant investor programme, submitted in November 2020; the reason for the delay in publishing this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6762/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra499. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if he is considering curtailing or suspending new applications to the immigrant investor programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6763/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 487, 498 and 499 together.
All immigration related programmes are kept under constant review to ensure their effectiveness and appropriateness, taking into consideration international and EU level developments.
As you may now be aware, today I obtained approval from Government to close the Immigrant Investment Programme (IIP) to further applications with effect from close of business, 5.15pm tomorrow, Wednesday, 15 February, 2023.
The Immigrant Investor Programme was established over a decade ago during a time of unprecedented economic difficulty to stimulate investment in Ireland that would be of strategic and public benefit to the State.
Since its inception, the Programme has brought significant investment to Ireland and has been operated by my Department to the highest professional standards.
However, it is important that we keep all programmes under review including any implications for wider public policy, such as the continuing appropriateness and suitability of this programme for cultural, social and economic use.
I have also taken on board a number of reports and findings from international bodies such as the EU Commission, Council of Europe and OECD on similar investment programmes.
Taking all of this into account, and informed by both internal and external reviews, I have recommended that it is now timely to close this Programme to new applications, and have received Government agreement to do so. I have asked officials to consider the appropriateness of publishing the report referenced by the Deputy at this juncture.
Current applications on hand at the time of closure will continue to be processed and further details will be available on the Immigration Services website www.irishimmigration.ie
