Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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663. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if an application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36256/19]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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664. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if an application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36360/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 and 664 together.

I am informed by the Immigration Service of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy made an application under the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) on 24 May 2019, which is currently being processed.

Successful applicants under the IIP and their nominated family members may be granted a residence permission in Ireland under Stamp 4 conditions. Stamp 4 conditions permit non-EEA nationals to work, study or start their own businesses in Ireland. Therefore, given the significant immigration benefits accruing and, to ensure the highest degree of transparency and accountability for the programme, it is essential that all applications are subject to enhanced levels of due diligence processes in respect of both personal and financial checks to protect the State's interests.

During 2019, I am informed that processing times for these type of applications will be between 6-9 months. I am further advised that this timeframe compares very favourably to international peers, some of whom operate a decision-making framework of between 12 and 24 months.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the Immigration Service 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.