Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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456. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department still retain the six-month business target for processing join family visas where the sponsoring family member is an Irish citizen, as outlined in the policy document on family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28487/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department aims to process all types of join family visas applications within 12 months. This business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification. I can assure the Deputy the majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within the 12-month business target; in 2024 the average processing time for all types of Join Family visa applications was 72 calendar days.

Processing times for visa applications are influenced by a number of factors. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department’s Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification contains a business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors should be considered with within 6 months. I can advise the Deputy that business targets for the immigration service are subject to change due to the demand and this has resulted in the extension of this business target to 12 months.

In 2016, the last year the Policy Document was amended, my Department received approximately 124,000 visa applications of all types. By comparison in 2024, approximately 201,000 visa applications were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 62%, compared to 2016, with over 76,000 additional applications received. I can inform the Deputy that the Policy Document is currently under review.

I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible.