Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

114. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18340/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that INIS has been in contact with the person concerned to inform them that pending the launch of a revised volunteer scheme, the previous volunteer scheme was closed to new applicants from 1 January 2018 to 30 April 2018, and as a result of this that it was not possible to consider their application.

INIS advises that it is the responsibility for each individual to monitor updates on the INIS website and has informed me that notice of the closure of the previous volunteer scheme and the launch of a revised scheme was posted in advance on its website, initially on 27 December 2017 and subsequently revised on 5 April 2018.

Central to the modernisation of this Scheme is the requirement that applications from all new entrants are to be made from outside State. With this in mind INIS requires that an application will only be considered from the person concerned from outside the State and once the revised scheme has been launched. They should be advised to monitor the INIS website for further updates on the new Scheme.

In relation to the person concerned, it is noted that their permission to remain in the State may be expired and they should be aware that it is illegal under the Immigration Act 2004, for a person to remain in the State without the permission of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.