James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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594. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on visa applications (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49772/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the applications he refers to were created on a number of dates during the month of August. Supporting documentation in relation to the applications was subsequently received in the visa office on various dates between the 7 and 27 September 2022.

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 the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.

Applicants are advised not to pay for airline or other travel tickets without having first been issued with a visa. The applicants will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.

It should be noted that the granting of a work permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has no bearing on whether a visa will be subsequently granted. There are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.

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.