Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1474. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to expedite the processing of visa applications in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44785/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to were created on 28 June 2025. The applications and supporting documentation were received in the Dublin Visa Office on 02 July 2025 where they await examination and processing.

My Department’s business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.

While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications 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 function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.

The South Africa Desk publishes guidance for applicants, target processing times and weekly decision reports, at the following webpage: www.irishimmigration.ie/south-africa-visa-desk/.

I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people 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.

The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.

As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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 Question process.