Bernard Durkan
Question:382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8182/20]
View answerWednesday, 27 May 2020
Questions (382)
Written answers
I am informed that both visit visa applications made by the person referred to by the Deputy were refused for reasons outlined in the decision letter at the time of refusal. It was open to the person concerned, to appeal those decisions within two months of the decision date, however no appeals were received in respect of these applications. Currently there are no records of any subsequent visa applications in respect of the person concerned.
It is open to the person concerned to submit a fresh application to my Department at any time. However, in doing so, they should take into account the reasons for refusal of their previous applications and submit supporting documentation to address same. The onus is on all visa applicants to satisfy the Visa Officer as to why a visa should be granted.
As part of the efforts to tackle COVID-19 and to ensure customer safety, my Department took the decision to temporarily cease accepting new visa applications, with the exception of certain priority/emergency applications, effective from close of business 20 March 2020. This situation will continue to be kept under review in consultation with the relevant authorities.
While it is still possible to apply for an Irish visa online in the normal manner, these temporary measures mean that applicants will not be able to complete their application process. However, any application made online will remain valid until such time as restrictions are lifted.
My Department intends to resume accepting applications as soon as safety concerns abate. Applicants are encouraged to check our website regularly for any updates at the following link:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/COVID-19-updates-and-announcement.
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.