Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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1158. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he is aware of delays in the processing of family reunification visa applications for workers in the health care system on employment permits, leaving them separated from their families for extended periods of time; the measures his Department is taking to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11727/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that extended processing times can be frustrating for applicants and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a join family visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible.

My Department aims to process join family visas applications within 12 months. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification. The majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within this business target.

In 2024, approximately 201,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to 2023, with over 35,000 additional applications received. Approximately 22,000 join family visa applications were received by my Department in 2024; this represents an increase of 14% compared to 2023, with 3,000 additional applications received.

In recent months, additional resources and staff have been assigned to my Department’s Visa Division which I expect will reduce the waiting times for family applications.

I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the persons impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.