Michael McNamara
Question:216. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice if the family settlement unit has been established and is operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4861/21]
View answerThursday, 28 January 2021
Questions (216)
Written answers
I recognise that family reunification contributes towards the integration of foreign nationals in the State. Accordingly, in this area, the focus of the Immigration Service of my Department continues to be on the facilitation of family reunification with an Irish citizen or certain categories of non-EEA persons lawfully resident where such persons meet the appropriate criteria, having regard to the individual merits of their case.
As with all immigration schemes, family reunification operations are subject to ongoing review and as part of these reviews, the consolidation of family reunification processing units into a single unified Family Settlement Unit is under consideration, pending the outcome of these considerations. Notwithstanding the restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff in the relevant processing units within the Immigration Service will continue to process all types of applications for family reunification received, in a professional and efficient manner.