Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
929. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the plans being put in place by her Department to address serious backlogs in atypical visa processing (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28374/23]
View answer930. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the steps being taken to ensure adequate staff are available to service the nursing home care sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28375/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 929 and 930 together.
Ireland’s Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill short term labour gaps for the benefit of our economy. In recognition of the importance of front-line medical personnel, the AWS Unit prioritises these applications.
There has been an unprecedented demand for Atypical Working Scheme permissions in the first three months of this year with a significant increase in the numbers for healthcare workers. Additional resources have been added to manage the scheme recently.
My Department is working to reduce processing times through the modernisation of our systems and the introduction of efficiencies, as well as additional streamlining measures which should also reduce processing times for AWS applications.
My officials will correspond with the cited organisation shortly regarding the issues of concern that they have raised.
The AWS unit continues to liaise with all relevant stakeholders in this area and further information on the Atypical Working Scheme, including the criteria for documents, is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/
