Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

112. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a join spouse visa will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48488/19]

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

I can inform the Deputy that an application for a visa, for the purpose of joining with an Irish national spouse, was received in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy on 16 July, 2019.

The Policy Document on Family Reunification first published in December 2013 states that the business target for visa applications to join Irish citizens is to finalise such applications within six months of receipt of application.  However, it should be noted that this is a business target and does not constitute a legal obligation.  The business target takes into account the detailed and often complex assessment that is required in applications for family reunification. 

While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, in line with the business target, processing times can vary having regard to the volume of applications, their complexity, the possible need to investigate, enquire into, or seek further information in relation to certain applications, and the resources available.   Any delays in achieving the business target are typically related to the processing of more complex cases where the provision of additional documentation is requested, or where detailed assessments of family rights under the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights are required.

The Deputy should note that applicants are advised not to purchase airline or other travel tickets prior to a decision being received on the visa application.

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.