Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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535. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average processing times for regularisation of long-term undocumented migrants scheme applications from the date of submission to the decision date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36018/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Due to the large number of applications on hand it is not possible for my Department to provide a definitive or average timeframe for a decision to issue under the scheme. However, I can assure the Deputy that there are no unavoidable delays in issuing decisions. 

In order to be fair to all applicants, applications are processed in order of the date on which they are received. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application, whether it is a single or family application, the supporting documentation and the vetting process with An Garda Síochána. Applications where there is an existing deportation order in place will also require additional processing.

As of 4 July 2022, my Department has received 5,352 applications in respect of 6,752 people under the scheme and has issued 1,250 positive decisions so far. Processing of all other applications remains ongoing.

Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.

If the Deputy is aware of someone who might be eligible for the scheme please encourage them to come forward. Applicants will be supported in a positive way and if they are not eligible for the scheme, other immigration options can be explored.