Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

349. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department will consider an appeal to an application (details supplied). [28630/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person referred to by the Deputy created an online Join Family (Irish national spouse) visa application on 3 January 2022. Supporting documentation was received in the Ankara Visa Office on 10 January 2022.

Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in my Department's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification, which can be found at: 

www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.

This Policy Document 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 Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application. This is a business target rather than a legal obligation, which 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 these applications 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 my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available. 

The Deputy can be assured that every effort is made to keep processing times to a minimum, and a number of measures have been put in place to deal with the increased demand for visas to come to Ireland.  This has included the assignment of additional staff to deal with applications, and, more generally, the streamlining of visa processes, where possible.  

The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.

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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie) 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. 

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

350. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress that has been made to date in the determination of requested and submitted documentation by a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28631/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As previously advised to the Deputy, the Family Reunification Unit of my Department issued a letter to the person concerned on 26 April 2022 to allow them renew their registration with their local immigration office. They were advised to make the arrangements to complete their registration upon receipt of the letter. 

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 at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.