Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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147. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of EU treaty rights applications from family members of UK citizens here in 2014, 2015 and to date in 2016 broken down by applicants that were successful, unsuccessful or refused and those that are to be processed, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31931/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there has been an unprecedented and sustained increase of approximately 70% in applications for residence permits by family members of EU citizens exercising free movement rights since 2014. In that regard, in the region of 50% of applications are by non-EEA spouse/family members of UK nationals.

The Deputy will appreciate that cognisance must be given to the wider policy issues arising from this development. In particular, there are serious concerns that a significant number of the applications are indicative of potential abuses of the Common Travel Area (CTA). While INIS is committed to processing all applications fairly and achieving the highest possible level of efficiency for applicants, this must be balanced with safeguarding the integrity of the operation of the CTA and the State's immigration system.

I am further informed that the table sets out the relevant information in relation to applications for residence cards by family members of UK citizens exercising free movement rights in the period 1 January 2014 to 30 September, 2016.

To date this year approximately 1,200 further applications have been received. Because cases are processed in date order, many of these cases have yet to be processed as efforts are focused on dealing with the 2015 cases on hand.