Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

There are currently delays of up to four or five months to obtain an appointment for an Irish residence permit at the Cork city immigration office at the Anglesea Street Garda station. This is causing havoc for people from outside the European Economic Area, including problems with employers and landlords and with opening bank accounts. For some, it makes it impossible to travel home for family emergencies such as the death of a parent or a serious illness of a child.

There were nearly 9,000 non-EEA nationals living in Cork city in 2022. Many of them play vital roles in the life of the city. This issue was brought to my attention by the Cork Indian nurses. The problem could be solved in several ways. More staff could be allocated for processing permits on Anglesey Street. The Cork city immigration service could be put online, as has been done in Dublin. Appointments could be provided at other immigration offices in County Cork. Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister to pay serious attention to this issue so that it can be resolved in a speedy and fair fashion?

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