Gary Gannon
Question:
514. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice the average and mean processing times for positive decisions issued by the Family Reunification Unit, under the International Protection Act 2015, to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23281/23]
View answer
It has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 514 of 16 May 2023 where you asked: “… the average and mean processing times for positive decisions issued by the Family Reunification Unit (under the International Protection Act 2015) to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand. I have received the information requested from the Family Reunification Unit within my Department, who have provided the following information.
The speed in which a decision can be made largely depends on the quality of the application received. My Department engages with applicants for any further information that may be required to assist with the processing of the application.
The average processing time for the 679 individuals who received a decision on their Family Reunification application between 1st January 2023 and the 19th September 2023 was approximately 10 months.
It is important to note that this is an average figure and that outliers (either exceptionally quick or lengthy decisions) can impact this figure and it may not represent the lived experience of some applicants.
The Family Reunification Unit aims to process applications as quickly and efficiently as possible, and makes every possible effort to process applications in chronological order to avoid unduly lengthy delays.
