Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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120. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether any categories of visa or immigration applications made by Syrian nationals were paused, frozen, or otherwise not progressed by his Department; if so, which types of visas or applications were affected; the period of time during which any such pause or freeze applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2811/26]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that there has been no pause on visa applications from Syrian nationals.

Visa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people moving to Ireland for employment, study and family reasons and also to facilitate visitors who wish to travel for business and/or tourism. It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete.

The Deputy may also be aware that in December 2024, a decision was taken by the International Protection Office to pause issuing final determinations on international protection applications, as rapidly evolving events in Syria meant assessing any claim was difficult, with underlying country of origin information fluid and unreliable. This decision mirrored positions taken across most EU Member States, and the UK.

The European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) recently published a comprehensive update to its Country Guidance on Syria including an assessment of international protection needs arising from the changed situation in Syria. The Country Guidance will assist national authorities in assessing application, fostering convergence in asylum decisions at the EU level.

Consistent with most other member states of the EU and with the UK, the IPO has now resumed the processing of Syrian applications.