I suppose you mean boy-friend when you say friend. Have you guys lived together in the past? if you have lived together for 2 years and can prove it with documentary evidence, then he would be able to apply for an EEA Family Permit.

 

Absolutely yes.

He might have a go based on the fact that your child is Irish citizen however that might prove lengthy and complicated which means you will have to get an expensive lawyer involved. Getting married would be a much safer option even though remember that you will have to work very hard to convince the ECO that it would not be a marriage of convenience but a genuine effort to be together.

Good luck !

 

Just a correction to my above comment, the visa he could be applying for is not EEA Family Permit - that is for UK only. He would need to apply for type C visa to join you and once in Ireland, can then apply for a long term residence card.

Good luck !

 

ECO stands for Entry Clearence Officer and by that I meant the Irish embassy where you would be applying for visa. My knowledge of Irish immigration is very limited so not sure if I can help further but your best bet would be to get in touch with your local Garda office who can perhaps help. The website of Irish embassy in London also has good amount of information that can be useful.

Good luck !