Visa Agreements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Questions (1001)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1001. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 329 of 8 February 2023, if he will issue clear instructions to INIS and relevant immigration officials that the special visa immigration arrangements for non-EEA international contracted circus artists without the requirement of a work permit remain in place pending the conclusion of the review and his commitment to consult with the traditional circus sector and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; if he will indicate how these instructions have been communicated to immigration officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17720/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The immigration arrangements for circus performers referred to by the Deputy have been in place since 2007 and ensure that circus performers who are providing this service to an Irish based circus, with whom they do not have an employee relationship, can continue to do so. I can confirm that the current arrangements for circus performers will continue to operate for the 2023 season while the review of these arrangements continues to be finalised.  Appropriate processes are in place to ensure that immigration officials have up to date information on these and other aspects of immigration law and procedures.  

It should also be noted that permission to enter the State for any individual, under these arrangements or others, is a matter for the immigration authorities at the port of entry and is subject to the provisions of section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004.