ON WORLD CHILDREN’S Day, children everywhere have been celebrate their right to grow up in safety, dignity and love. But because of Ireland’s family reunification policy, hundreds of children will spend the day oceans away from their parents – separated not by war or disaster, but by Government policy.

Right now, migrant workers on General Employment Permits are being kept apart from their families for between 30 months and up to seven years because of Ireland’s restrictive family reunification policy.

These are the people who keep our hospitals, nursing homes and food production lines running – caring for Irish patients, older people and children every day. Yet after their shift ends, they cannot go home to their own children or spouses.

Under the current system, a worker on a General Employment Permit cannot apply to bring their spouse or children to Ireland for the first 12 months. After that, they face another 18-month wait before the Government will even consider their application.

In practice, this means families are separated for at least two-and-a-half years – and because of harsh income thresholds, many remain apart for up to seven.

By contrast, those on Critical Skills Employment........

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