Thomas Gould
Question:555. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Operation Tombola this year in Cork city. [42505/24]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (555)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, each year in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola. Operation Tombola is a national operation.
Each Regional Assistant Commissioner ensures that appropriate measures are put in place in each Division to prevent and detect the organised importation for sale of fireworks in the lead up to Halloween. This operation also focuses on preventing associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour through the incremental deployment of resources, including Garda Public Order Units to augment local plans as appropriate.
Policing plans under the auspices of Operation Tombola include an overt uniform presence and covert element where appropriate, and local Garda management engage with relevant stakeholders including the local authorities to identify, co-ordinate and implement an appropriate multi-agency strategy for the Halloween period.
Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives An Garda Síochána the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. An example of the penalties faced include a fine of up to €10,000 and up to five years' imprisonment if convicted of having fireworks in your possession with intent to sell or supply.
Igniting fireworks or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property is also liable to the same severe penalty. These penalties demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that there have been no fireworks seized to date in the Cork City Division under Operation Tombola.
There was one incident recorded where fireworks were activated in the Douglas area of Cork City, and Cork City Units will continue to record all incidents connected with Operation Tombola.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (556)
Michael Creed
Question:556. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied). [42506/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the naturalisation application from the person referred to has been approved by my Department and an invitation for an upcoming ceremony will issue to the person concerned in due course.
Last year, Citizenship Division more than doubled the number of ceremonies available to applicants with 15 held over the course of 2023. This was a significant increase on 6 Citizenship Ceremonies held in 2022. To date in 2024, my Department has hosted 17 ceremonies with over 14,000 attendees, with further ceremonies planned for later in the year.
No date has been published for the next Ceremony, however, I can advise you that it will be in December of this year.
As the Deputy will appreciate, these events require considerable planning and Citizenship division issues invitations to successful applicants at the earliest possible opportunity. As plans for further ceremonies are confirmed, this information will be put into the public domain.
Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/.
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 IMoireachtasMail@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 email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Immigration Status
Questions (557)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:557. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice her views on lengthy waiting lists for Irish residence permits (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42514/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the registration office with the Immigration function of my Department experiences a seasonal increase in demand for immigration residence permissions in the September to November period.
Appointments are predominantly fully booked as students seek to register their first immigration permission during this time. Following arrival in the State, applicants have up to 90 days to register and are encouraged to secure an appointment as early as possible.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in recent months, additional resources have been deployed to the Registration Office and the number of appointments available has been significantly increased. Every effort is being made to minimise waiting times for applicants and it is regretted that waiting times for appointments are temporarily longer during this period of the year. It should be noted that 2024 will see a record number of first registrations of immigration permissions.
In addition, in 2024, my Department has taken the majority of responsibility for first time registrations from An Garda Síochána, and also handles immigration permission renewals for customers nationwide. This civilianisation process is envisaged to be fully completed in 2025.
Once an applicant has provided all necessary details, whether processed by the Registration Office or GNIB, the IRP cards are sent for printing and will issue to the address provided. Delivery is made daily by An Post and distributed via express post. I can advise the Deputy that IRP cards are delivered within a maximum of 10 working days from the date a case is processed and typically within a shorter time.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (558)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:558. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the number of Garda vehicles purchased in each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42523/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána, a 27% increase since 2020.
I have also recently announced additional funding of €98m which has been secured for allocation across the Justice Sector to the end of this year. This includes €6 million to acquire approximately 100 new Garda vehicles, including public order vans and high-powered vehicles for serious crime units. This will enhance the Garda fleet’s capacity to respond to a variety of operational needs.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the below table is a yearly breakdown of the number of vehicles purchased to the Garda Fleet from 2016 to 2024.
|
Year |
No. of Vehicles Purchased |
|
2016 |
504 |
|
2017 |
207 |
|
2018 |
215 |
|
2019 |
308 |
|
2020 |
547 |
|
2021 |
221 |
|
2022 |
302 |
|
2023 |
284 |
|
2024 |
334 (Planned) |
The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (559)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:559. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the amount invested in Garda IT infrastructure in each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42524/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána, and is responsible for the Garda budget. The Government is committed to providing the Commissioner with the resources he needs, and Garda funding has increased by over €500m (up 27% since 2020), bringing the total for the 2025 Budget to €2.48 billion.
I have enacted legislation and provided resources so that An Garda Síochána can develop the ICT systems and tools to allow them to deliver an effective policing service. Sustained investment in An Garda Síochána has allowed for the roll-out of the proof of concept for body worn cameras in Waterford, Limerick and Dublin City Centre.
Also, all Garda members now have mobile devices with real-time access to apps eliminating paperwork and allowing Gardaí to carry out their front-line duties far more efficiently. Garda ACTIVE Mobility apps allow members to access their email on the move, check a vehicle’s history and tax status, and enables them to work more efficiently with local business and community groups.
Furthermore, the organisation’s new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, GardaSAFE, is now operational across all regions. The modern policing tools within this system allow call takers and dispatchers to deliver enhanced support to responders, supporting them in their mission to keep the public safe.
I can advise the Deputy that the table below sets out the ICT Capital spend from 2016. Please note the figure for this year is up to 16 October. The figures reflect the amount spent on IT infrastructure, as opposed to consumables, for each year.
|
Year |
Total Expenditure |
|
2016 |
31,774,000 |
|
2017 |
39,935,000 |
|
2018 |
42,954,000 |
|
2019 |
59,300,000 |
|
2020 |
74,344,000 |
|
2021 |
76,072,000 |
|
2022 |
89,662,000 |
|
2023 |
101,986,000 |
|
2024 |
81,379,000 |
An Garda Síochána
Questions (560)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:560. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the number of people who entered the Templemore Garda Training College each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42525/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Domestic Violence
Questions (561)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:561. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the number of refuge spaces available across the country in each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42527/24]
View answerWritten answers
One of the overarching goals of Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV, which I published in June 2022, is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one and under the strategy we have committed to doubling the number of refuge units across the country.
This represents the fastest ever expansion of refuge accommodation in this country.To accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year, I formally established Cuan - the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency – at the start of this year.
Cuan is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency to put in place the necessary structures and supports for organisations to take forward plans.
Last month I launched a new 12 unit refuge in Wexford, the first of 18 priority locations to complete construction. The opening of the new units in Wexford means there are 162 domestic violence units across the country, with four more expected to come online in Louth before the end of the year and construction of a further 12 units in Kilcross in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown also beginning before the end of this year.
There are at present 82 units undergoing funding approval through the Capital Assistance Scheme, with a further 10 proposals under review by colleagues in Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
There are another 19 units that have been identified as potential development opportunities by Cuan and our planning and delivery pipeline is growing stronger all the time.Given the number of projects in the pipeline, we are on course to deliver on the ambitious target of doubling the number of refuge spaces.
Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Third National Strategy and has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges.
As this question relates to work being carried out by Cuan and data held by Cuan, I have referred it to the agency for direct response.
Deportation Orders
Questions (562)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:562. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the number of people, subject to a deportation order, who were removed from the State in each year between 2016 and 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42528/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the deputy that a deportation order is a legal order to leave the State. Any person who has been ordered to leave the State and fails to do so is committing a criminal offence, and can be arrested without warrant if they come into contact with An Garda Síochána. Such an order remains on the person’s record permanently, unless revoked by the Minister for Justice – it means they may not enter Ireland again in future.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carries out inquiries to confirm that people have removed themselves from the State and works closely with my Department to enforce deportations where this is not the case.
In addition to the enforced deportations and those that are otherwise confirmed to have left, we know that a much larger number of people will have left the State without being escorted. However, as there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to accurately quantify this number.
Enforced deportation operations are complex and costly. They often involve investigations, detection, detentions in custody, legal challenges, flights costs and confirmation with the return country that the person is their citizen. Charter flights will support the removal process, in the near future. A procurement process for this is nearing completion and this will significantly increase capacity to conduct more enforced deportations. Meanwhile, enforced deportations are continuing on commercial flights and deportations conducted on commercial flights are at a 10 year high.
The number of deportation orders signed up to18 October 2024 (1792) has increased by 140% for the same period in 2023. The number of enforced deportations has increased by 157% for the same period in 2023 and overall number of returns has increased by 205 % for the same period in 2023.
771 people have departed from the State under various mechanisms up to 18 October 2024. This includes 747 persons who left the State after a Deportation Order was issued or availed of my Department’s Voluntary Return Programme before such an order was made.
Alternatives to forced removals, such as through the State’s voluntary return process, are preferable and there has been a significant increase in the number of persons availing of this programme. The number of voluntary returns has increased by 264% for the same period in 2023.
My Department is taking a number of steps to improve immigration enforcement and to increasing removals. I have announced that my Department has taken over administrative immigration functions to allow Gardaí to concentrate on enforcement and investigations. This has now freed up to 100 Gardaí.
Table below sets out the total number of repatriations of persons subject to a deportation order who were removed by GNIB, the number of persons subject to a deportation order where it has been confirmed they have left the State, and the number of persons who have departed the State under the Voluntary Return Programme for the period 2014 up to 18 October 2024.
|
Year |
Deportation Enforced by GNIB |
Deportation Otherwise Confirmed |
Voluntary Returns |
Total |
|
2014 |
70 |
41 |
242 |
353 |
|
2015 |
45 |
205 |
132 |
382 |
|
2016 |
62 |
366 |
187 |
615 |
|
2017 |
80 |
58 |
183 |
321 |
|
2018 |
85 |
78 |
213 |
376 |
|
2019 (1) |
154 |
143 |
261 |
558 |
|
2020 |
42 |
97 |
201 |
340 |
|
2021 |
5 |
33 |
132 |
170 |
|
2022 |
24 |
92 |
91 |
207 |
|
2023 |
51 |
28 |
213 |
292 |
|
2024 (18 October) |
95 |
15 |
637 |
747 |
(1) In 2019 there were two charter operations which resulted in a higher volume of enforced deportations
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
* Numbers repatriated/removed in a particular year may relate to deportation orders issued in previous years.
* During the COVID- 19 Pandemic there was a moratorium on deportations. This was effective during the latter part of 2020, 2021 and for the first 8 months of 2022. During the moratorium only persons whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest were deported. This moratorium was lifted in July 2022.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (563)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:563. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the value of the Garda vote in Budgets 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42536/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána, and is responsible for the Garda budget. The Government is committed to providing the Commissioner with the resources he needs, and Garda funding has increased by over €500m (up 27% since 2020), bringing the total for the 2025 Budget to €2.48 billion.
I can advise the Deputy that the table below sets out the gross budget allocation for An Garda Síochána for each year since 2015.
|
Year |
Allocation |
|
2015 |
€1,425,868,000 |
|
2016 |
€1,510,524,000 |
|
2017 |
€1,582,733,000 |
|
2018 |
€1,650,209,000 |
|
2019 |
€1,760,076,000 |
|
2020 |
€1,882,036,000 |
|
2021 |
€1,952,163,000 |
|
2022 |
€2,062,342,000 |
|
2023 |
€2,140,742,000 |
|
2024 |
€2,312,722,000 |
|
2025 |
€2,481,117,000 |
An Garda Síochána
Questions (564)
Réada Cronin
Question:564. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on policing resources in County Kildare, particularly in relation to community safety in growing urban centres like Naas and Maynooth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42547/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
The Government is committed to supporting Garda recruitment. In Budget 2025 over €2.48 billion has been allocated to An Garda Síochána. This is a 27% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of new Garda recruits through to next year.
As of the end of June, the latest date for which verified and published figures are available, there were over 14,000 Garda members assigned across the country. This represents an increase of approximately 10% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
A number of actions have been taken to support increased recruitment. We have increased the age of entry from 35 to 50, extended the retirement age to 62, and most recently increased the training allowance to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months.
The response to this year’s Garda recruitment campaign in January and February was very strong. I am advised by the Garda authorities that 6,381 people applied for the 2024 Garda Trainee Competition. The Commissioner has also recently committed to running recruitment campaigns annually.
This year, 186 trainees entered the Garda college in April, another 157 entered in July, and a further 125 entered in September. One more intake is scheduled for December of this year.
I can inform the Deputy that at the end of June 2024 there were 418 Gardaí in the Kildare Division. This includes 16 Probationer Gardaí allocated to the Division this year in the March, June and September attestations.
I can also inform the Deputy that there are 18 dedicated Community Gardaí across this Division as of the end of June 2024, which represents a 100% increase since 2020.
They are supported by 34 Garda Staff members as of the end of June 2024. Garda staff provide vital administrative support and help free up Garda members to focus on front line duties.
As of June 2024, there are 141 Gardaí allocated to the Naas Station, and 14 Gardaí allocated to the Maynooth station.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (565)
Willie O'Dea
Question:565. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42637/24]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
This application is based on Section 16 'Irish Association', which can take longer to process than applications based upon residency.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing 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: IMoireachtasmail@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.
Work Permits
Questions (566)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:566. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice the average processing timelines for work permits for international protection applicants; the number of applications from IPAS applicants the office has received this year; the number of applications processed; the rate at which applications are processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42698/24]
View answerWritten answers
Under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230 of 2018), persons are eligible to apply for labour market access permission if:
• They are an international protection applicant; and
• They have waited at least 5 months from their “Application Received” date for their first instance recommendation; and
• They are cooperating with the international protection process – delays in receiving a recommendation must not be attributable to the applicant.
Following that, a person will be issued a permission for labour market access if, at 6 months, they have not yet received a first instance recommendation. This permission is valid for 12 months and may be renewed until a final decision is made on the person's international protection application.
From February 2024 the process of applying for Labour Market Access for International Protection applicants has moved to a new online application process. The new system has provided a more streamlined process and shorter processing times for all renewal and first time applications. The current processing time for these applications is 8 and 10 weeks respectively.
Since the beginning of 2024, 11,165 applications for Labour Market Access have been made. This comprises of 6,635 first time applications and 4,530 renewals.
Applicants are recommended to submit labour market access renewal applications at least 2 months in advance of their current permit’s expiry date. Employers are requested to allow a grace period post-expiry (maximum 4 weeks) for permit renewal once the applicant has provided a confirmation email showing an application for labour market access renewal has been submitted.
The immigration services of the Department utilise the resources available in order to ensure that applications are processed in the shortest time frame possible. The Labour Market Access Unit is working to finalise applications as quickly as possible and appreciate customers’ patience as they deal with the very high levels of applications. The Department is also reviewing the processing arrangements generally to establish if they can be further streamlined.
Any queries in relation to a person's eligibility or otherwise for a labour market permission can be directed to: Lmauqueries@justice.ie or by post to the Labour Market Access Unit, PO Box 12931, Freepost FDN5264, Dublin 2
More information and further details on labour market access permission is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/labour-market-access-permission/.
Departmental Projects
Questions (567)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:567. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the details of costings provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, in the context of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 review conducted earlier this year; and to provide a breakdown of each project and its projected cost in each of the years 2025 to 2030. [42721/24]
View answerWritten answers
Capital allocations are negotiated with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for the Justice Sector which includes my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and the Irish Prison Service. Negotiations took place earlier this year in relation to capital allocations for 2024-2026. Funding remains to be allocated for the years 2027-2030
I have prioritised building stronger, safer communities. In support of this I was very pleased, during those negotiations, to secure additional funding under the National Development Plan which now contains investment of over €300 million a year in capital projects for the Justice sector. This capital investment will support a number of areas such as ICT, transport investment and capital building and refurbishment works in An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service and my own Department.
The original capital allocations for the Justice sector were as follows:
2024 €274m
2025 €278m
2026 €278m
I secured an additional €93 million for Justice capital projects in 2024-2026 bringing the total budget to €923 million including over €500 million for Garda Capital Programmes.
2024 €283m
2025 €310m
2026 €330m
As many of the projects envisaged are at the early stages of implementation and procurement, the Deputy will understand that it is not possible to provide the projected costs of each project for reasons of commercial sensitivity. However, I can confirm that the funding provided will support the delivery of:
• Significant additional prison capacity with four capital projects planned at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons. This will ensure Ireland’s prison facilities can accommodate people committed to prison by our courts.
• Implementation of my Department’s IT Strategy including enhancement of immigration IT systems to support an increase in the number of applications processed.
• New Garda stations in Bailieborough, Portlaoise, Newcastle West, Macroom and Clonmel.
• An unprecedented investment of almost €100 million per annum in Garda ICT projects, including the roll out of Body Worn Cameras and enhanced IT infrastructure which enables and equips our Gardaí to carry out their front-line duties far more efficiently.
• A new aeroplane and two new helicopters to support the Garda Air Support Unit in its Border Operations and fight against organised crime.
• An investment of €10m per annum to continue to modernise the Garda fleet, providing a range of new vehicles, public order vehicles and water cannons which will support detection and enforcement of serious crime and management of public order.
In addition, I am pleased that the planned Dublin Family Courts PPP project will provide a modern, purpose-built court facility (of approximately 18,000 square metres) where family law cases can be held in a dignified, secure, and non-threatening environment with a range of support services at hand. The new complex will provide 19 Family law courtrooms, interview rooms and rooms for consultations/mediations, and variety of public waiting areas including child and family friendly waiting area and will be constructed with the specific needs of family law court users in mind. On completion it will replace existing family law facilities in central Dublin at Dolphin House, Chancery Street and Phoenix House.
The project received approval in principle from my Department in July of 2023. Planning permission under part 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations was granted by the Commissioners of Public works in April 2024 and the procurement process for this key project has commenced. Work is to commence on this project in 2026.
International Protection
Questions (568)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:568. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice for an update on an application (details supplied) for leave to remain under the international protection programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42734/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is unable to publish any information that would identify any person as being an international protection applicant. This is a separate matter to the law dealing with data protection matters more generally.
My officials and I are legally obliged, under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, to ensure that the identity of any person who applies for international protection is kept confidential. Section 26(1) sets out that:
“the Minister and the Tribunal and their respective officers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of applicants is kept confidential”.
As I am sure you will appreciate, these confidentiality requirements are especially important for an asylum-seeker, whose claim inherently supposes a fear of persecution by the authorities of their home country and whose situation, or that of their family or friends still living in the country from which they have sought protection, can be jeopardised if the protection of their personal information is not ensured.
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.
Contact information for The International Protection Office can be found at Contact Us - International Protection Office (ipo.gov.ie).
Contact information for The International Protection Appeals Tribunal can be found at Contact Us - IPAT (protectionappeals.ie).
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. They are also bound by confidentiality provisions in respect of applicants as set out in the International Protection 2015 Act.
Visa Applications
Questions (569)
Bernard Durkan
Question:569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will issue in respect of a visa application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42819/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on 12 June 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 12 July 2023 where it awaits examination and processing.
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.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the Immigration Service website. Applicants that carefully follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
I can advise the Deputy that in 2023, over 166,000 visa applications were submitted and approximately 140,000 people were granted visas to travel to Ireland. These figures are likely to be surpassed in 2024, with over 123,000 visa applications having been received in the first seven months of this year alone. This reflects an increase of 20%, compared to the same period in 2023, with over 21,000 additional applications received.
The vast majority of visa applications are determined in a matter of weeks. However, some applications, in particular those to join family members here, can take considerably longer.
It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete.
Processing times for these applications are influenced by a number of factors. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.
Visa applications and appeals are processed in the order in which they are received, to be fair to all applicants. However, due to the disparity in the complexity of these applications the processing of some applications can take considerably longer than the overall average.
I understand extended wait times can be frustrating. I want to assure anyone who is waiting on a decision that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. I am acutely aware join family applications, are very important for the persons impacted and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides. In recent weeks, I have assigned additional resources and staff to my Department’s visa division which will I expect will reduce the waiting times for family applications in the coming months.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
The date published on the above page is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may prevent the published processing date from advancing.
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: IMoireachtasmail@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.