Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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1278. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of active Zambrano-related applications currently awaiting a decision; the number of decisions that have issued in each of the past 12 months; the date applications currently under final consideration are from; her plans to tackle the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15594/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The question relates to decisions under a scheme whereby a non-EEA national who is the biological parent of a minor dependent Irish Citizen Child living in Ireland, can be granted residency rights in Ireland.

There are currently 880 active applications. In the interests of fairness to all applicants, the applications are processed in strict chronological order by the Immigration Service of my Department. Due to the complexity of the individual cases and the need for further documentation to be submitted, the processing time for the individual applications will vary.

The table below details the 403 decisions issued for the period March 2020 to March 2021 (to date):

The COVID–19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Service of my Department conducts its business. In line with advice issued by the Government, HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the Immigration Service has implemented a suite of measures to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

These measures include the closure of our offices in Burgh Quay and the implementation of remote working for Immigration Services staff in order to comply with social and physical distancing measures. While delays may occur, the Immigration Service is endeavouring to keep operating as efficiently as possible notwithstanding the current challenges.