Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

463. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if every effort can be made to grant a visa in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41550/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can advise the Deputy that an applicant wishing to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days, as an elderly dependent relative, must first before travelling, apply for a Stamp 0 immigration permission. Stamp 0 may only be granted if the applicant can prove that their relative, in Ireland, can support them fully and completely.

Further information is available on the Immigration Service Delivery website of my Department at:

www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-a-non-eea-non-swiss-national/dependent-elderly-relative.

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was created on the 06 October 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the New Delhi Visa Office on the 11 October 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.

Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link: .

This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application.

However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.

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 Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: .

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.