Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 3

Written Answers. - Residency Permits.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

180 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the frustration being caused to both members of the public and elected public representatives in trying to contact his offices with immigration or residency queries; if he will commit greater personnel resources to manning and servicing the public at these offices and ensure that sufficient telephone operators are available to talk to the public. [27089/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

The immigration and citizenship division of my Department operates three separate dedicated helpline services to facilitate members of the public with queries which are specific to the work of that area. The three helplines in question provide assistance in relation to visas, citizenship and general immigration, the latter helpline being the specific focus of the Deputy's question. That helpline facilitates over 250 customers per day, five days a week. The unprecedented demand for that service reflects the huge growth in the number of non-nationals who are present in the State, mainly for work or study purposes. Additional resources have already been allocated to the immigration and citizenship division as part of the package of measures announces for the entire asylum and immigration area in July 2000.