Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to assure the Deputy that management is kept under review on a regular basis. Staff resources available for processing are organised in a timely way.

12 o’clock

A number of measures recently have been put in place to deal with a significantly increased demand for visas to Ireland, including the assignment of extra staff.

I assure the Deputy that INIS, under my Department's remit, continues to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation to ensure the process is effective and efficient. I assure him that greater consideration will be given to streamlining the process, procedures and practices. For example, earlier this year, new arrangements were set in place to enable spouses of critical skills permit holders to gain immediate access to the workplace on arrival. Streamlined processes have also been set in place for de facto partners of permit holders.

I am happy to look at the specific issue raised by the Deputy and will communicate with him in writing following this session.

See this speech in context