Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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230. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a preclearance, long stay application for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; the reason the date tracker has not moved in many months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37093/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 11/03/2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Wellington office on the 14/03/2024. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on the 11 April 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.

It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application 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. 

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

Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:

www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.

I can advise the Deputy, that the date published on the above page is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may prevent the published processing date from advancing.

It is important to note that no two applications are the same and there can be a number of reasons as to why some take longer than others to process. It may be the case that the application is the subject of investigation or further checks. My Department may also be waiting for the applicant to respond to specific queries or submit additional documentation requested by the Visa Officer.

Therefore, I can assure the Deputy that if the published processing dates for De Facto Preclearance applications remains unchanged, this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.

I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application to join their Partner in Ireland, that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. These applications are now being processed through my Department’s online platform. This simplified application process will speed up our processing times and lead to better outcomes for applicants.

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: IMoireachtasmail@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.