Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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496. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality why international student visa applications are not processed through Irish embassies and consulates in Asia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1154/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there are eight dedicated INIS visa offices in operation. They are located in Dublin, China, India, Nigeria, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Student visa applications are processed in each of these offices. The Dublin Visa Office processes applications that have been submitted directly by applicants from designated countries and is also responsible for most applications that have been referred by an Irish Mission, Embassy or Consulate, to Dublin for a decision.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process 'short stay' visa applications on behalf of my Department under delegated sanction. Most 'study' visa applications are long term in nature and require more detailed processing. Therefore decisions on such applications are taken by staff in INIS offices only.