James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Our aim is to get the timeframe for processing applications down to six to nine months. Provision has been made in the budget for additional staff in the immigration services to get those numbers down. We are working through ICT and other processes to make the system move more quickly and to streamline the entire system.

I understand that the length of time it is taking to process applications is deeply frustrating but at least if people knew the status of their application, it would provide them with a certain amount of clarity and comfort. I hear the Deputy's message in relation to the communications piece. I will certainly bring it back to my Department and will endeavour to make it a lot easier for people who have applied.

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