I hereby launch this petition addressed to the Honourable Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan and Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton, shedding light on the adverse effects short-term tourist visas have on the relationship between a grandchild and their grandparents.

Grandparents of children born on the island of Ireland to naturalised Irish citizens or non-EU individuals on Stamp 4 (Permanent residency) or work-permits have to apply for a 90-day tourist visa at Irish Embassies every time they wish to visit their grandchild. This system puts a significant burden on the embassy to deal with repetitive applications and also on the elderly who in many cases are not tech-savvy. 

"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children." - Alex Haley

In light of the above, I call upon the Minister to kindly consider introducing a 5-year grandparent tourist visa permitting them to enter Ireland as many times as they wish, within five years, as long as they do not violate the 90 days rule (which I wish to see extended to 180 days).

*I urge signees to please share your experience in the comment section below, allowing me to fully explain the issues to the Department. (Optional)