Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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442. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the impact the outsourcing of the AVATS application system has had on individuals booking short stay 'C' visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29508/26]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy has clarified that she is referring to the use of VFS Global by my Department.

I can advise the Deputy that in recent years my Department has taken a number of steps to upgrade the visa processing system and improve the service offered to individuals applying for Irish visas. This has included availing of services provided by VFS Global at their Visa Application Centres (VACs). VFS Global provides administrative and logistical support services. It does not have any role in the decision-making process, which is the sole remit of officials from my Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in some parts of the world.

My Department makes no payments to VFS Global for their services. When a person applies for an Irish visa they pay a service fee to VFS Global directly for their services.

A number of services are provided for the fee charged by VFS, including the initial administration of applications and transmitting documents between customers and the Visa Office. Additionally, VFS Global offers a number of optional services, the fees for which are detailed on their website, at the following address: visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/irl/additional-services

The use of VFS Global’s services provides greater accessibility to customers across a wider geographical area, particularly in large countries or countries where Ireland does not have consular representation. The use of VFS Global’s centres reduces courier and travel costs for customers whose nearest Irish Visa Office or Embassy could be located thousands of kilometres away.

I can advise the Deputy the fees applied by VFS Global are in addition to the application fees for Irish visas. The fees for Irish visas are, €60 for an single entry visas, €100 for a multi entry visas and €25 for a transit visa. Further information regarding Irish visa fees and exemptions are available at the following address: www.irishimmigration.ie/preclearance-and-entry-visas-fees/