Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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310. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if arrangements will be made to grant an emergency GNIB card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13246/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The restrictions attendant to the current COVID-19 pandemic have regrettably resulted in significant challenges to the delivery of normal services. However I can assure the Deputy that the matter is receiving ongoing attention and as soon as a practical plan is in place for the re-commencement of normal service delivery, notifications will be placed on our website (www.inis.gov.ie).

Currently the Dublin area Registration Office located in Burgh Quay remains temporarily closed and consequently no IRP cards are being issued. Please also note that all Registration Offices for non-Dublin residents operated by An Garda Síochána have also temporarily closed.

There is no impediment to the person concerned leaving the State should such flights be available however if they wish to return to the State and their IRP card has expired that person will need to apply for an online visa from outside the State in order to return to the State. The person concerned should contact their nearest Embassy or Visa Office to confirm what, if any, supporting documentation is required to return to the State.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic some leeway was given to people, legally resident in the state, to travel with an expired IRP card and a copy of the Minister's statement. However, this emergency period is over and airlines now work on the instructions that visa required persons for Ireland require either a valid IRP card or a valid visa.

The ISD website, link below, will be updated as necessary to reflect the latest positions.

www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/COVID-19-updates-and-announcements.