Michael Creed
Question:188. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange to issue a decision on a domiciliary care allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [25345/23]
View answerSocial Welfare Appeals
Questions (188)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 March 2023. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8 May 2023 and the case will now be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (189)
Paul Murphy
Question:189. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends to address the anomaly whereby someone who was on one social welfare payment and was entitled to the Christmas bonus, and has moved to another social welfare payment is not entitled to the spring cost-of-living payment, despite having been on a social welfare payment for longer than 12 months. [25362/23]
View answerWritten answers
A Christmas bonus was paid, for the first time, to long term recipients of Illness Benefit in December 2022. Illness Benefit had not been a qualifying payment for the Christmas Bonus prior to this as it is a short-term social protection scheme. It has a high degree of turnover, with people coming onto the scheme and moving off every week. The average number of days a person receives Illness Benefit for is 6 days.
As part of the overall Government response to the cost of living crisis, a decision was taken to pay a Christmas bonus to Illness Benefit customers who had been receiving Illness Benefit for a year or more. Earlier this year, it was decided to pay a spring Cost of Living bonus to Illness Benefit customers based on the same criteria.
Illness Benefit is available for a defined period and it does not link to most other social welfare payments. If these payments were linked, this may result in the number of days that Illness Benefit is payable being reduced, adversely affecting customers who may need support from Illness Benefit in the future.
I trust the above clarifies the position.
Data Protection
Questions (190)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:190. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if mobile and software applications from a company (details supplied) will be banned from Government devices to protect users’ data from being passed to state security services, in light of information outlined in a media report. [25382/23]
View answerWritten answers
All Department of Social Protection official mobile devices and apps which run on them comply with guidance provided by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This guidance is based on risk assessments appropriate to the circumstances and is kept under continuous review by the NCSC.
The Department of Social Protection requires all users of our official devices to exercise appropriate discretion in their use in compliance with our Policies in relation to Appropriate use of Technology, Data Protection and the Civil Service Code of Conduct.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (191)
Robert Troy
Question:191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite the review and re-instatement of a carer’s allowance payment for a person (details supplied). [25395/23]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that, as a result, they require that level of care.
Once claims are in payment, the Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement. Depending on the circumstances in each case and to make best use of resources, a review may only concentrate on a specific condition of entitlement.
In this case, the means of the person concerned are being reviewed. The review required the person concerned to complete and return the Means Assessment Review Form which issued in February 2023 to accurately assess her means.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that every claimant shall furnish such certificates, documents, information and/or evidence as may be required for the purposes of deciding the claim.
On 19 April 2023, the person was notified that she no longer had an entitlement to CA, as she had failed to supply such certificates, documents, information, or evidence that was requested (in this case, the CA Means Review Form) and, therefore, it was not possible to determine if all the necessary conditions for continuing receipt of CA were being met. Three further requests for information were issued to he person in May.
To date, the person concerned has not furnished these documents.
Upon receipt of all the information requested and the completed CA Means Review Form, the claim will be reviewed and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Questions (192)
Paul Kehoe
Question:192. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of an application for a State pension (non-contributory) for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25465/23]
View answerWritten answers
State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension (contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate (contributory) pension based on their social insurance record.
An application for state pension (non-contributory) was received from the person concerned on 6 April 2023. On 14 April 2023, the case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate the means of the person for pension eligibility purposes. The Inspector confirmed that, despite a number of visits to the person’s address, they have been unable to conduct their interview. More recently, the person has contacted the Inspector stating they are spending time at a sick relative's address. The Inspector advises that they will arrange a meeting with the person concerned without delay.
On return of the Inspector's report, a Deciding Officer will make a determination on eligibility of the person concerned for state pension (non-contributory) and the person will be notified of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (193)
Paul Kehoe
Question:193. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a disability allowance application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25466/23]
View answerWritten answers
Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 6 January 2023. Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, this application for DA was refused on failing to supply sufficient information to determine the person's means. In addition, based upon all evidence submitted, the claim was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that the person was substantially restricted in taking up employment.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 18 April 2023 and was also notified of the right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
The person concerned requested an appeal. The Disability Allowance section of my Department received this notice from the SWAO on 11 May 2023 and a file of the case in question was forwarded to the SWAO for their consideration.
The person will be notified directly regarding the outcome of the appeal by the independent SWAO.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (194)
Paul Kehoe
Question:194. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any update on her Department's position regarding the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease for frontline health care workers in Ireland, as per EU ACSH Agreement in May 2022, following the monitoring of the European Commission's work and recommendations in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25480/23]
View answerWritten answers
Section 87 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 legislates for the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme for persons injured by an accident at work or caused by a prescribed disease due to the nature of their employment. The Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme is a compensation and income support provided by my Department.
Covid-19 is not currently a prescribed disease or illness under this scheme. Section 87 (2) of the Act states that a disease or injury shall be prescribed for the purposes of this section in relation to any insured persons, where the Minister is satisfied that—
(a) it ought to be treated, having regard to its causes and any other relevant considerations, as a risk of their occupations and not as a risk common to all persons, and
(b) it is such that, in the absence of special circumstances, the attribution of particular cases to the nature of the employment can be established or presumed with reasonable certainty.
My Department is aware of the recommendation of the European Commission regarding Covid-19. The decision on whether or not to recognise an illness as an occupational illness is a Member State competence and in this regard, it should be noted that the European Commission has not made a recommendation about recognising long-COVID, but rather recognising COVID-19.
I have consulted with other relevant departments and ministers on the matter, and the responses received are currently under consideration.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (195)
Bernard Durkan
Question:195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the maximum social protection payment available under whatever heading in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25499/23]
View answerWritten answers
The responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with a long-term housing need is under the remit the local authority. If the person has a long-term housing need their local authority can provide information regarding suitable housing supports.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a One Parent Family Payment (OPFP) of €294.50 per week. However, if the person requires assistance with essential expenses that they are unable to meet from their weekly income, they may be entitled to assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme.
The SWA scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system and helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs). This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.
It is open to the person concerned to apply for an ANP online at www.MyWelfare.ie, providing all relevant documents in support of their application. Alternatively, the SWA1 form is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
Information on all income supports available from my Department can be found at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (196)
Bernard Durkan
Question:196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an emergency payment, given that they have received no payment since January last and have accumulated considerable local authority rent arrears of €720; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25500/23]
View answerWritten answers
Supports from my Department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has a primary responsibility. The provision of rental assistance to those in social housing rests with the relevant local authority. If the person concerned is experiencing difficulty with their rental payments, they are advised to contact their local authority to discuss any supports that may be available to them or to have their rent reviewed and/or a repayment plan put in place for their rent arrears.
The person concerned may also find it useful to contact the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) which provides support with managing debt and household finances. If the person concerned requires assistance with other essential expenses that they are unable to meet from their weekly income, they may be entitled to assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme.
The SWA scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system and helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs). This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.
According to the records of my Department, the person has not made a recent application for assistance under the SWA scheme. It is open to them to apply by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application. The person can apply for an ANP online at www.MyWelfare.ie. Alternatively, the SWA1 form is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
The person concerned applied for a Jobseeker's Transitional Payment (JST) with effect from 02/02/2023. JST is a means tested payment for people who do not live with a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant and whose youngest child is between 7 and 14 years. In the course of their application, the person was asked to provide proof of payment of their rent in their sole name. However as this information was not provided the application could not be progressed and the claim was closed.
If the person wishes to re-apply for JST, they can request an application form (JST1) from their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office. Alternatively, this form can be downloaded at www.gov.ie.
Information on all income supports available from my Department can be found at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
International Protection
Questions (197)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:197. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has been given to designating South Africa and Brazil as safe countries under section 72 of the International Protection Act 2015, on the basis that the legal situation in both countries, the application of the law within what are two democratic systems and the general political circumstances show that in both countries there is generally and consistently no persecution, torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and no threat by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict. [25358/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, under section 72 of the International Protection Act 2015 the Minister may make an order designating a country as a safe country of origin. In deciding to make such an order, the Minister must be satisfied that, on the basis of the legal situation, the application of the law within a democratic system and the general political circumstances, it can be shown that there is generally and consistently no persecution, no torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and no threat by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.
The following countries (which includes South Africa) were designated as safe countries of origin with effect from 16 April 2018 under the International Protection Act 2015 (Safe Countries of Origin) Order 2018:
• Albania;
• Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Georgia;
• Kosovo;
• Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of);
• Montenegro;
• Serbia; and
• South Africa.
The list of countries is kept under review in my Department.
On November 8 2022, the International Protection Office (IPO) introduced accelerated procedures for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin.
An applicant from a safe country of origin is afforded the opportunity to submit grounds, in writing and/or at interview, as to why their country is not safe for them and those grounds are given due consideration. Furthermore, all applicants have the right to appeal a negative recommendation by the IPO to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
Overall, my Department is working to minimise the timeframe for receiving a decision on an international protection application, allowing those eligible to remain the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Those who are not entitled to the protection of the State will also be advised of that fact as quickly as possible.
Data Protection
Questions (198)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:198. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice if mobile and software applications from a company (details supplied) will be banned from Government devices to protect users’ data from being passed to state security services, in light of information outlined in a media report. [25379/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can inform the Deputy that all Department of Justice official mobile devices and applications which run on them comply with guidance provided by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This guidance is based on risk assessments appropriate to the circumstances and is kept under continuous review by the NCSC.
My Department requires all users of official devices to exercise appropriate discretion in their use in compliance with Department policies in relation to appropriate use of technology, and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (199)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:199. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice when the last full meeting of the Garda national diversity and integration forum took place; what supports are in place to assist the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25405/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, in line with the Garda Diversity and Integration Strategy, the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit (GNDIU) established a Garda National Diversity and Integration Forum to monitor and review the implementation of the strategy, and also to act as a critical friend. The Forum is made up of a number of representatives of communities and key stakeholders from across the entire diversity spectrum.
While the monitoring function of the Forum is to ensure An Garda Síochána carry out the commitments in the strategy, it also provides a link to minority communities, and provides a voice for concerns within those communities.
The last meeting of the Forum took place on 3 May 2023. This forum is fully supported by Assistant Commissioner Hilman, RPCE and the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit based in the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau.
I am further advised that the forum includes representatives from the following organisations:
• Cross Cavan Cross Cultural Community
• Irish Criminal Justice and Disability Network
• Immigrant Council of Ireland
• Southside Travellers
• The Federation for Victim Assistance
• Third Age Ireland
• LGBT Ireland
• Dublin City Interfaith Forum
• Islamic Culture Centre of Ireland
• Irish Network Against Racism
Immigration Status
Questions (200)
Bernard Durkan
Question:200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and/or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25426/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, for reasons of maintaining full confidentiality, it is not my Department's practice to comment on whether an application for international protection has been made in the State. An applicant for such protection status, or their legal representative, should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate if they wish to receive an update on the status of their case.
The International Protection Office may be contacted: by email to info@ipo.gov.ie; by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal may be contacted either: by email to info@protectionappeals.ie; by telephone at 01-4748400 (or Lo-Call 1890 201 458), or in writing to Corporate Services Division, The International Protection Appeals Tribunal, 6-7 Hanover Street East, Dublin D02 W320.
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.
Housing Policy
Questions (201)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:201. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given to the establishment of a regulator for owner management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25473/23]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 (the MUDs Act) was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments, and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs). Well-functioning OMCs are key to maintaining and sustaining higher-density residential developments, such as apartments. The OMC model of ownership of common areas of a multi-unit development is based on the recommendations of a Law Reform Commission report published in 2008 titled 'Multi-Unit Developments'. Publication of the Law Reform Commission recommendations was based on a lengthy consultation process during which all relevant stakeholders had the opportunity to make submissions. At that time, the Law Reform Commission did not recommend a specific oversight and enforcement mechanism for OMCs because such companies are subject to company law provisions, including their own memorandum of association, and are subject to oversight by the Company Registration Office and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. The Law Reform Commission also pointed out that the then Consumer Protection Authority, now incorporated into the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, also had an important role to play in providing information and advice to intending purchasers of residential units in multi-unit developments. Furthermore, the MUDs Act acknowledges the risk of disputes arising in the enforcement of rights and the performance of obligations imposed by its provisions and makes provision for the resolution of such disputes. For example, section 24 provides that a person, including any member of an OMC, may apply to the Circuit Court for an Order to enforce any rights conferred or obligations imposed by the Act. Section 24(2) allows the Court to take into account whether the parties have tried to resolve their differences by mediation or other alternative dispute resolution. While section 27 provides for court-directed mediation if the court considers that a ‘mediation conference’ between the parties would assist in reaching a settlement of the matter. Finally, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to conduct a review of the existing management company legislation, to ensure that it is fit for purpose and that it acts in the best interests of residents. This is referring to the MUDs Act. It is not proposed to make any amendments to this legislation at this time, and until this review has been completed. In regard to the review of the Act, my Department works in close co-operation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is guided by it in relation to overall housing policy.
Prison Service
Questions (202)
Bernard Durkan
Question:202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a prisoner (details supplied), now in Cloverhill Prison on a serious charge, has already received treatment for a contagious condition and who is anxious to avail of a methadone programme at the earliest opportunity, given that their health condition and continued misbehaviour requires such a programme, as well as intensive psychological assessment notwithstanding the serious nature of the offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25491/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that they do not provide healthcare information on individual prisoners for reasons of medical confidentiality. If the Deputy has concerns about an individual in custody he should contact the Irish Prison Service directly to make those concerns known.
I am further advised that all prisoners entering the Irish Prison Service have a nursing and medical assessment completed within 48 hours of entering prison. These assessments highlight and initiate any additional medical services or supports that may be required.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (203)
Bernard Durkan
Question:203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and/or expected position in regard to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25492/23]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
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 at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Immigration Status
Questions (204)
Bernard Durkan
Question:204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the correct residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25493/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the deputy that Form EUTR1 is to be used by each non-EEA national applying for a residence card as a qualifying family member of an EEA national under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 as amended, where the applicant and the EEA national are intending to reside in the Republic of Ireland (the “State”) for a period greater than 3 months in the following circumstances:-
• The non-EEA national is living in the State
• The EEA national is living in the State
• The EEA national is exercising their EU Treaty Rights in the State (employed, self-employed, residing with sufficient resources, studying or involuntarily unemployed)
and
• The non-EEA national is a qualifying family member of an EEA national.
A qualifying family member is a non-EEA national who is:-
• the spouse or recognised civil partner of an EEA national, or
• a direct descendant (child, grandchild, etc.) of an EEA national or of their non-EEA spouse or
• civil partner and who must be aged under 21 years;
• a direct descendant (child, grandchild, etc.) of an EEA national or of their non-EEA spouse or
• civil partner and who must be dependent on the EEA national
• a dependent direct relative in the ascending line (parent, grandparent, etc.) of an EEA national or of their non-EEA national spouse or recognised civil partner.
Form EUTR1 can be accessed at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Form-EUTR1.pdf
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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie) 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.
Family Reunification
Questions (205)
Bernard Durkan
Question:205. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if, in the case of a person (details supplied), family reunification will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25494/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Family Reunification application for the person referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department and continues to be processed at this time. All applications are processed in chronological order.
Correspondence issued from the Family Reunification Unit to the applicant regarding this application on 20 March 2023, including a questionnaire. The person concerned requested an extension of time and this was granted. The FRU now awaits receipt of the questionnaire and any other required supporting documentation.
It is not possible to comment on the potential outcome of the application or the timeline for examination in the absence of the requested information being received from the applicant.
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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie) 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.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (206)
Bernard Durkan
Question:206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current position in regard to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); if their case might be addressed in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25495/23]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
A request for further documentation was made to the person concerned on 15 May 2023. Once the Citizenship division of my Department has received these documents, processing of the application can resume with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
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 at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Immigration Status
Questions (207)
Bernard Durkan
Question:207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current or expected residency status in the case of the daughter of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25496/23]
View answerWritten answers
Immigration officials of my Department have checked their records and advised that they cannot locate any applications for the people cited in the details supplied by the Deputy.
However, if the Deputy can provide any additional information via my Department's Oireachtas mail facility, I will arrange for a further response to the Deputy.