Investment fund and enterprise option of the immigrant investor programme

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new build social housing units, new build nursing homes and primary care centres that are underway stemming from the investment fund and enterprise option of the immigrant investor programme in 2017, 2018 and up to the end of August 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the number of applications of new build social housing units stemming from the investment fund and enterprise option of the immigrant investor programme for 2017, 2018 and up to the end of August 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the number of applications for new build nursing homes and primary care centres that are underway stemming from the investment fund and enterprise option of the immigrant investor programme for 2017, 2018 and up to the end of August 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

It is a requirement under the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) that applicants submit detailed business plans.  The Plans for Investment projects involving construction set out, in detail, the number of units to be constructed.
In 2017, 5 nursing home projects and 566 social housing units were approved.  In 2018, 4 nursing homes and 884 social housing units were approved.  In 2019, 5 nursing homes and some 560 social housing units were approved. There is no record of any primary care centre applications being received in the years mentioned by the Deputy.
However, my Department is aware that projects evolve to reflect changed circumstances. Accordingly, to ensure continual compliance with the objectives of the scheme, my Department introduced a rolling review process, whereby applicants and projects that have received funding undergo a review at the year 2 and year 5 stages, and occasionally at the year 3 stage.  
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has engaged directly with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and has sought guidance form them on the applications received under the Immigrant Investor Programme for new build social housing units. My officials also exchanged information with that department relating to the projects seeking funding.  My officials have requested a meeting with the Department of Health in respect of those applications that are proposing new build nursing homes.
As part of the assessments process my Department interacts with the relevant government departments and agencies regarding various aspects of proposed projects.