Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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612. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a series of matters (details supplied) regarding visa applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23940/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Currently, the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) is not accepting short stay visit family visa applications due to measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19. The resumption of visa services will continue to be monitored and decided in accordance with Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines. Any changes to the visas which are being processed will be announced on the Immigration Service website

When submitting a visa application the onus is on the applicant to satisfy a visa officer that the visa sought should be granted. One consideration is the likelihood of the applicant leaving Ireland after the intended visit. The applicant must show that they have strong obligations to return to the applicant's home country due to strong economic, social, or family reasons. It is open to the applicant to provide whatever information and documentation they wish a visa officer to take into account when considering if a visa is to be granted.

There is no fixed financial threshold for visit visas as each application is taken on its merits and unique circumstances including the duration of the intended stay in Ireland. There is no requirement on a person, applying for a visa to visit a family member in Ireland, to have any particular language or other qualifications.

The Immigration Service website also provides comprehensive guidance on the application process and the specific requirements for each visa type and the relevant application form.