Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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258. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of representations received by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS, from the dissolution of the Thirty-First Dáil to date; the number returned to public representatives within the period in question; the number of representations received via the Minister's office; the number responded to in detail; the number returned to the public representative concerned; her views on whether it is appropriate that the only public office of the State which rejected representations during the period of the general election was INIS; the person by whom the decision was taken to reject such representations; the steps she is taking to ensure that this is not repeated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5140/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The email enquiry service provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service which is in place for the exclusive use of Oireachtas members was put on hold for the duration of the general election. As the Deputy is aware following dissolution of the Dáil, TDs cease to be members of the Oireachtas. This decision was taken at operational level by the INIS authorities. During the period in question queries continued to be accepted and processed and replies were released to Members on their return to the Dáil. Thus all requests received from Dáil members returned to the new Dáil on 10 March 2016 were responded to on that date or very shortly afterwards.

Written representations submitted directly to my Office relating to INIS were processed as normal following the dissolution of the 31st Dáil.