Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 673: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory arrangements for dealing with the public in his Department; and the steps he is taking to provide an efficient and an effective functioning Department that is capable of responding by telephone to those who have dealings with and wish to make contact with his Department. [10706/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I can inform the Deputy that my Department operates telephone helplines for queries in relation to immigration matters, citizenship applications and visa applications. The hours of operation of the various helplines are as follows: immigration matters from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, excluding bank and public holidays; citizenship applications from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, excluding bank and public holidays; visa applications from 10 a.m. until 12.30 p.m. each day, Monday to Friday.

Since January last, when responsibility for the visa office was transferred by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Irish naturalisation and immigration service of my Department, the hours of opening of the public office have been extended and it now opens from 8.30 a.m. until 2.30 p.m. each day, formerly 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The helpline hours have also been extended and they now operate five days a week.

In the case of personal callers to the public office, an inquiry desk remains open until 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, for general immigration-visa inquiries.