Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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266. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the special scheme for students which was launched by INIS in October 2018; the number of persons granted residence through the scheme; if processing has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41889/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Special Scheme for Students was launched on 15 October 2018 and closed on 20 January 2019. Approximately 3,100 applications were received under this Scheme. I am informed that, to date, the Immigration Service has made a decision on 2,969 cases of which 2,153 have been granted.   

The Deputy will appreciate that it is necessary to process these applications in full compliance with legal requirements and in accordance with the criteria of the Scheme. I am assured by the Immigration Service that it continues to optimise all available resources, including the provision of overtime, to deliver decisions to all applicants under the scheme as soon as possible.