Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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100. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the requirement for Afghan nationals applying for Irish visas (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20853/17]

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 the measures outlined are required to ensure, as far as possible, that the supporting documents of visa applicants are verified and authenticated.

This is a normal function of the decision maker in any visa application process. Unfortunately, in the case of documentation issued in Afghanistan, it is particularly difficult to carry out the necessary verification checks. It is also the case that Ireland does not have a diplomatic or consular presence in that country. Indeed, such verification difficulties in Afghanistan have also been highlighted by EU member states in the context of Local Schengen co-operation meetings noting ongoing concerns there in relation to the accuracy of requested documentation in support of visa applications.

As the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been assigned responsibility for diplomatic and consular matters with Afghanistan, visa applications from that country are processed in the Visa Office there. In an effort to mitigate the difficulties in carrying out in-country verification checks in Afghanistan, and to provide some assurances as to the authenticity of certain official documents, the requirements outlined have been put in place and will continue for the foreseeable future.

As with all visa services in all countries worldwide, the central concern is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime, while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of those who intend travelling for legitimate purposes and who are likely to abide by the terms of their visa. The verification and authentication requirements in place are appropriate in the circumstances.