Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

551. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the processing time for de-facto partnership visa applications can be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8181/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The processing time for de-facto partnership applications for persons with an existing immigration permission, which can be made from inside the State, takes an average of twelve months. At present, my Department is currently processing applications from May 2022.

Applications are strictly dealt with in chronological order of receipt and decisions are reached on a case by case basis. The Domestic Residence and Permissions Division endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible, however, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of application and if further information is required.

The staffing levels in the ISD Divisions of my Department are kept under review in line with the business needs of the Divisions and were required additional recourses are allocated to meet customer needs.