Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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328. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the current waiting times for the processing of spouse reunification visas by INIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40077/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service's (INIS) Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification, the processing of visa applications for spouses and family members of a sponsor who is an Irish citizen are dealt with within 6 months of receipt of the required documentation. Similarly, if the sponsor is a person who is entitled to apply for immediate family reunification, an application is to be decided within the same timeframe. For all other sponsors, a decision can be expected within 12 months of receipt of the application and required documentation.

These business targets reflect the detailed assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification. However processing times can vary throughout the year due to the number of applications received, the resources available to process them and seasonal demands for other types of visa.