Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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508. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality what action is being taken by her Department to improve upon the timeframe for the processing of appeals on decisions of visa applications whereby the application was refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34049/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that every visa application which is processed at first instance receives a detailed and systematic examination.

All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

An appeals process, for which no fee applies, is available which allows applicants, in the event of a refusal of the application at first instance, to address the factors which gave rise to that decision. An appeal is normally examined by a different and more senior officer to the initial deciding officer.

In many appeal cases, the applicant has failed to submit the required documentation or information with their initial application; the provision of which would likely have resulted in a positive decision.

The Visa Division of my Department have recently committed extra resources to help reduce the current backlog.