Mr. Michael Kirrane:

We are happy to consider the application process and are doing so, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The vast majority of visa applications are processed very quickly with positive outcomes. The overall recognition rate is over 90%. We expect to deal with approximately 125,000 visa applications this year. I accept the Deputy’s point that there are difficulties in individual cases. If such difficulties arise in a substantial number of cases, we will consider this, but it must be looked at in the context of the volume of cases we process within the recommended timeframe. The vast majority of our customers fit into that category. We are anxious to consider what could be done to further streamline our processes to ensure a quicker turnaround because it is not in our interests to delay processing. The quicker we deal with cases and move on, the better for us. I do not want staff to be tied up in dealing with drawn out applications.