Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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30. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [11031/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The processing of visa applications, once received, is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality. The COVID–19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice and Equality conducts its business at this time. Since 20 March, the Department of Justice and Equality has temporarily ceased accepting new visa applications, although they do continue to accept and to process certain priority or emergency cases.

Unfortunately, the ability of the Immigration Service Delivery function in the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE) to process visa applications, such as the one being referred to here, has been severely curtailed as a result of travel and social distancing restrictions both here and in the country where the applicant is located. I can confirm that the Visa Office at the Irish Embassy in question is aware of the case the Deputy has raised, and has been in contact with those concerned.

However, I can confirm that Department of Justice and Equality have advised that they intend to resume accepting visa applications again on a limited basis from Monday 22 June, notwithstanding local restrictions which may continue to be in place. I would advise that the applicant follow up with the Visa Office at Irish Embassy in the country concerned on that date and they will be able to provide an update on whether they are in a position to resume accepting applications. The applicant in this particular case may also wish to keep an eye on the website – www.inis.gov.ie, to get the latest information.