Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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2003. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 615 of 24 June 2025, the reason the majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within the 12-month business target, while in 2024 the average processing time for all types of join family visa application was 72-calendar days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41941/25]

Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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2004. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 615 of 24 June 2025, if he plans to reduce the waiting times for first instance decisions on join family visa applications, as such applications receive a first instance decision within the 12-month business target, compared to the average processing time of 72-calendar days for all types of join family visa applications in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41942/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2003 and 2004 together.

I can advise the Deputy the processing times of applications for join family visas varies depending on the circumstances when the application is made.

If a non-EEA national is moving to Ireland because they have been granted a Critical Skills Employment Permit, they can apply for join family visas at the same time as their own employment visa. When these visas are applied for together, they are processed in tandem and are typically completed within four to eight weeks.

My Department aims to process join family visas within 12 months and there are no plans to change the 12 month business target for join family visas at this time.

The 12 month business target has been applied for several years and it reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification. I can advise the Deputy that 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 application was 72 calendar days. I acknowledge that some join family visas applications can take considerably longer to progress to finalisation than average, however, it is not the case that the majority of join family visas will take 12 months to process in 2025.

Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors and some applications may take considerably longer than average to progress to finalisation. 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.

I understand that extended wait 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. 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 all applications.