Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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316. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the staffing levels in INIS offices now and at this time in 2017; if the level of resources available is contributing to delays being experienced in the processing of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42520/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that as of 1 October 2018, there were 849 staff employed within INIS, equating to 812.67 full-time equivalents. This is a significant increase on the staffing levels as of 1 October 2017, at which point there were 782 INIS staff, equating to 747.86 full-time equivalents.

These staffing increases are being particularly targeted at business areas where processing backlogs have emerged.

As set out in the INIS Service Improvement Plan 2018-2020 (which is available at www.inis.gov.ie), it is planned for staff numbers to increase to circa 890 in 2018 to help eliminate backlogs and to deliver the service improvements in the plan.

In that regard, Budget 2019 included an increased allocation of €2.6m to the INIS budget, which includes additional funds to cover the full year cost of increased staffing levels, and to fund increased technological investment which will lead to greater processing efficiencies across all areas.