Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
75. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on whether the services the Office of Refugee Applications Commissioner provides to persons seeking reunification with families abroad are adequate, efficient and fair. [9376/16]
View answer76. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time for reunification between he submission of an application and the final decision under the family reunification scheme. [9377/16]
View answer77. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the complaints mechanism available to applicants, or to whom they can turn for recourse, if they believe the Office of Refugee Applications Commissioner has been negligent or obstructive in dealing with an application under the family reunification scheme. [9378/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 75 to 77, inclusive, together.
The role of the independent Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) in accordance with Section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) is to investigate applications by refugees to allow family members to enter and reside in the State. ORAC prepares reports to the Minister for Justice and Equality in this regard.
I am advised by the Refugee Applications Commissioner that applications are dealt with in chronological order and processing times can vary depending on the complexity of cases and the overall volume of applications. Processing time to final decision by the Minister in such cases is currently in the region of 12 months.
The Refugee Applications Commissioner further advises that ORAC endeavours to provide a fair and efficient service to all applicants for family reunification. ORAC treats seriously any complaints received in relation to the service provided in accordance with its Customer Charter and Complaints procedure, details of which are on the ORAC website at www.orac.ie.
