I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 to 145, inclusive, together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that I am aware of the situation to which he refers, which is specific to the parents of Irish Born Children granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme. Currently, IBC renewals are being effected by Immigration Officers in the Garda National Immigration Bureau and by local immigration officers outside Dublin.
A total of 14,139 parents are due to have their permission to remain in the State renewed over the course of 2010, with a high proportion of renewals arising in the six month period from May to October. It is not possible to give an exact figure as regards the number of parents currently undocumented. I wish to inform the Deputy that the renewal of permission to remain for those persons in employment whose permission is due to expire is being prioritised.
Persons involved in the IBC renewal process are expected to pay the current €150 registration fee. There are persons who were granted a three month temporary residence — mainly for work or travel related reasons — and who were charged the registration fee of €150. A further fee of €150 will be charged by the GNIB for renewing their permission for a further three years when this renewal arises. However, persons who have paid this additional fee can apply for and be considered for a refund of this amount.
Registrations under the renewal process will not be backdated by the GNIB so it is in the interests of all persons renewing permission to ensure that they have no gaps in their residency.