Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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968. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if an appointments system will be instituted in Anglesea Street, Cork, for the renewal of visas rather than a queueing system in view of social distancing concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16114/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department registers persons residing in the Dublin area only. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) processes all applications outside of Dublin through the Garda Station network.

I am informed that An Garda Síochána, Cork City Division is very conscious of the risks involved in a queuing system in view of social distancing concerns. The health and safety of the public and that of Garda personnel will be prioritised at all times.

In the context of COVID-19 public health considerations, alternative arrangements to the queuing system have been put in place at the Immigration office at Cork City Divisional HQ in Anglesea Street. The renewal process will be electronic as far as possible, and where the applicant is required to attend the Immigration Office in person to verify their identity, appointments will be arranged by email by the staff at Anglesea Street Garda Station. It is anticipated that the office will re-open in line with public health guidelines on 20 July 2020. Additional resources have been allocated to the office by the Garda authorities and extended opening times are being considered. In the interest of public health, applicants will not be seen without an appointment. Cork City Divisional Immigration Unit staff at Cork Airport will also provide relevant information to incoming applicants.

Inquiries regarding the new arrangements can be emailed to the Anglesea Street Office at CorkCity.Registration@garda.ie. Information on the new arrangements will also be issued by An Garda Síochána in the coming days to the relevant stakeholders: immigration bodies, universities and colleges and employers.