Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process visas; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in the past 12 months; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28227/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Visa applications are processed as speedily as possible having regard to the numbers on hand and the resources available to process them. Although the INIS website states that visa applications are processed in six to eight weeks, in fact most applications are processed much faster than that. In our dedicated overseas offices, visa applications are processed typically in two to three weeks. Currently applications referred to Dublin are generally being turned around within ten to fifteen working days of receipt in Dublin.

In 2008, over 72,000 visas were granted. In the first five months of 2009, provisional figures indicate that over 26,000 visas were granted for travel to Ireland. In 2008, fewer than 14,000 visas were refused. In the first five months of 2009, provisional figures indicate that fewer than 4,600 visas were refused.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting time to process re-entry visas; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number received, approved and rejected in the past 12 months; the steps he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28228/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Applicants who call to the Public Office in person for re-entry visas are dealt with on a same day basis. Alternatively a postal application for a re-entry visa can be made and such applications are dealt with within four working days. In the past twelve months 60,455 re-entry visa applications were received and approved.