Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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395. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average processing time for family re-unification visas for those who are holders of critical work permits working here; her views on whether this is a disincentive for those seeking to work here in critical employment categories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22075/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) holders, should be processed within six months of application.

The Visa Division of my Department is currently well within the six month processing timeframe in the Dublin Visa office. Processing times are updated on my Department's immigration website every Tuesday at: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.

When processing these applications, every effort is made to process Join Family visa applications at the same time as the associated employment visa application, where resources allow.

A 12 month target applies for applications to join Category B sponsors, such as Non Critical Skills Employment Permit holders or Stamp 4 holders not covered by other more favourable arrangements.

The processing of family reunification applications requires detailed and often complex assessments. Accordingly, these business targets do not constitute a legal obligation. Nor do they suggest that a case not completed within the processing timeframe will result in a default decision in the applicant's favour.