Thursday, 15 Feb 2024

Written Answers Nos. 289-297

Immigration Status

Questions (289)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current status and possibility, of stamp 4 in respect of a person (details supplied) [7312/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, where a person has made an application for international protection, there is a legal requirement under the International Protection Act 2015 to maintain full confidentiality at all times. Therefore the Department is unable to publish any information that would identify an international protection applicant.

If an application for international protection has been made in the State, the applicant or their designated legal advisor should contact the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate. This will enable a full and comprehensive reply to be provided.

Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are fully independent in deciding whether or not to grant international protection. Each application is examined individually on its own merits, in line with national and international asylum law.

The International Protection Office may be contacted: by email to [e-mail]; by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028000 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 [e-mail]; 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.

Information and an overview of the application process for international protection applicants can be found on the IPO website here: www.ipo.gov.ie/en/IPO/Pages/Assessment_of_Application.

Information on how to make an appeal to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, as well as how to access legal advice can be found here: www.protectionappeals.ie/how-to-appeal/.

The Department's website also provides a detailed overview of the International Protection process in Ireland which can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/304ba-international-protection/.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases (excepting those relating to an international protection applicant) 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.

Visa Applications

Questions (290)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) can be joined by their spouse under the appropriate application process in respect of a visa; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7356/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 21 August 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the New Delhi office on the 14 September 2023 where it awaits examination and processing.

Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf

This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application.

A 12 month target will apply for applications to join Category B sponsors, such as Non Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders or Stamp 4 holders not covered by other more favourable arrangements.

However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.

It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.

The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.

Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions

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: [e-mail], 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.

Immigration Status

Questions (291)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when renewal of a stamp 4 application (details supplied) will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7357/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.

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.

My Department has recently moved from paper to online based citizenship applications. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience. As part of the new online process, customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of the online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide applicants through what is required for an application.

Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.

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: [e-mail], 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.

Residency Permits

Questions (292)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

292. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current position as regards residency for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7358/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The persons referred to by the Deputy were issued a letter refusing permission to remain in the state on 05 October 2022. In response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended),  written representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned.

These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.   These cases are amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when these cases will be finalised.

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: [e-mail] 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. 

Citizenship Applications

Questions (293)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when citizenship status might be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7362/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.

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.

My Department has recently moved from paper to online based citizenship applications. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience. As part of the new online process, customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of the online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide applicants through what is required for an application.

Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.

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: [e-mail], 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.

Residency Permits

Questions (294)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7373/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The immigration permission for the person referred to by the Deputy has expired. 

If a person remains resident in the State without an immigration permission I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or their local immigration office and to take all appropriate steps to regularise their status.

Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application. 

In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. 

ISD examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: [e-mail], 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 email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Road Safety

Questions (295)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

295. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she is considering the provision of an upload portal in order to improve road safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7398/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in how An Garda Síochána investigates any criminal activity or collects evidence.

I am informed by Garda authorities that the introduction of an online portal for uploading and reporting of digital evidence such as video of road traffic offences will be delivered as part of a planned Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS). 

I am advised that the mechanism for An Garda Síochána to accept video footage from the public will be via an online Portal. I am informed that once the footage is uploaded, a DEMS will be required to store, manage and process any footage received.

The project to introduce body worn camera technology and a DEMS to An Garda Síochána is underway. A limited Proof of Concept deployment of body worn cameras in a small number of areas is planned for early 2024. This Proof of Concept will provide learnings for the next stage of the project, which is the national procurement and roll-out of body worn cameras, including the introduction of a DEMS.  

I am advised that it is envisaged that the introduction of an online Portal will be in 2025. 

Departmental Data

Questions (296)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

296. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to give consideration to an urgent query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7169/24]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As this matter is currently ongoing, we cannot comment at present.

Animal Welfare

Questions (297)

Paul Murphy

Question:

297. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how Horse Racing Ireland and Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board record deaths for the year; if all deaths within 48 hours or due to a direct injury from the track are included in the yearly data (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7183/24]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.