Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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248. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the type of visa a non-EEA citizen can apply for to visit Ireland in the case of an Irish citizen who is getting married to a non-EEA citizen in their country; if they should apply for the visa before they are married; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3715/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy wishes to refer to Filipino nationals. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that Filipino nationals, including those married to Irish citizens living abroad, are required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Ireland. In circumstances where the applicant is visiting, the person concerned may apply for a ‘Visit Family/Friend’ visa if they intend to visit family or friends or for a 'Visit Tourist' visa if they wish to do so without visiting family or friends. Prospective applicants for these types of visas are advised to make their application three months before their intended travel to Ireland.

The INIS website (www.inis.gov.ie)contains comprehensive guidelines to assist the applicant with the application process. It should, however, be noted that the information contained on the website is intended to provide guidance only and does not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in dealing with individual applications. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that any visa sought should be granted.

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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).