Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

565. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide clarity in relation to the process of stamp 4 renewal for persons living outside of Dublin in particular; if she will address the issue of access to locally-based immigration officers which is difficult and or sporadic as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pressure this is placing on employees that need renewals urgently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16492/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 16 July 2020, I announced that immigration permissions due to expire between 20 July and 20 August 2020 will be automatically extended for one month. Any permission which was renewed by an earlier notice of 20 March 2020 and 13 May and which therefore has a new expiry date between 20 July 2020 and 20 August 2020 is also renewed. Provided the person otherwise meets the conditions set out in the notices, this exceptional temporary measure also applies to non-nationals currently outside the State. All renewals are on the same basis as existing permissions, and the same conditions will continue to apply.

While it is intended that this will be the final temporary extension of immigration permission, my Department will continue to keep the situation under active review as matters evolve in our national response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

My Department registers persons residing in the Dublin area only. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) processes all applications outside of Dublin through the Garda Station network.

After being closed for four months due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Registration Offices operated by An Garda Síochána outside of Dublin are opening on a phased basis in line with the Government Roadmap. Email addresses for each registration office are provided for queries and the arranging of appointments. Further information on the contact details and proposed dates of reopening for all the registration offices outside Dublin is available on .

Individuals wishing to register or renew their permissions, and who reside outside Dublin, should contact their local Immigration Officer on the email address provided prior to attending at a Garda Station. Please be advised that individuals without an appointment will not be seen.

My Department is providing regular updates on all immigration related matters on the Immigration Service website: . A detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the COVID-19 impact on immigration and international protection can also be found on the website. This document is also regularly updated. I would encourage all immigration applicants to refer to the website for up-to-date information.