Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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669. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline of the application for a visa stamp by a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25225/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person referred to by the Deputy made an application for Temporary and Limited Leave to Remain (Stamp '0') which was received by the Immigration Service of my Department on 14 September 2020. The application was acknowledged on 15 September 2020, and will be processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification.

The Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications to join non-EEA national family members should be dealt with within six months of receipt of application. However, this is a business target and does not constitute a legal obligation. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.

It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Service Delivery function (ISD) of my Department conducts its business. In line with public health advice, ISD has implemented a suite of measures to help in reducing the spread of the virus. These measures include the implementation of remote working for Immigration Services staff in order to comply with social and physical distancing measures. Unfortunately, these measures have led to a reduction in processing capacity. While delays can be expected, including in the processing of family re-unification visa applications, ISD is operating to the best of its ability. Applicants can e-mail queries directly to .

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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670. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline of an application by a person (details supplied) for a spouse of Irish national visa; when a decision will be made on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25254/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned made an application for permission to remain in the State as the spouse of an Irish national in December 2019. In order to be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order. The Immigration Service of my Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hands, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.

The Immigration Service will contact the applicant in due course and, once a decision is made, this will be communicated to the person directly.

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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.