Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
356. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7816/20]
View answerI am advised by the Immigration Service of my Department that an application for permission to remain was received by the relevant Unit, from the person referred to by the Deputy. A decision will issue by post once current restrictions are eased.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Services (ISD) of my Department conduct its business. In line with advice issued by Government, the HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), ISD have implemented a suite of measures to help reduce the spread of the virus. These measures include the closure of our offices in Burgh Quay and the implementation of remote working for Immigration Services staff in order to comply with social and physical distancing measures. These measures have unfortunately led to a reduction in processing capacity. While delays are expected, ISD is endeavouring to keep operating to the best of its ability.
Further updates will be provided on the Immigration Service website when available, and I would encourage the Deputy to view our updates and a detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the Immigration Service website at:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/COVID-19-updates-and-announcements
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the parliamentary questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
