Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Visa Applications.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

316 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has carried out any review of the present system for visa renewal for persons who hold valid work permits here; and if he will make separate arrangements for those with valid work permits seeking to renew their visas. [14695/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I presume the Deputy is referring to the requirement that non-EEA nationals must renew their permission to remain at their local Garda registration office. Renewal of permission to remain for holders of valid work permits is a straightforward process and gives rise to very little inconvenience at most Garda registration offices throughout the country. In Dublin, however, registration takes place at the immigration registration office at Garda headquarters in Harcourt Square. This office has experienced unprecedented growth in demand for its services in recent years, which has led to delays for persons seeking to register or renew their permission to remain. The number of persons registered at the immigration registration office reflects the increase in migration to the State generally and has grown from 12,803 in 1998 to 26,641 in 2000, an increase of 108% in two years. This comprises all categories of persons, including persons with work permits.

The Garda National Immigration Bureau, established following a Government decision of 9 May 2000, has as one of its key responsibilities the co-ordination of registration services throughout the State. Since its establishment it has made significant progress in improving the quality of the service provided at the immigration registration office. The number of civilian staff has been more than doubled from ten to 24 and the opening hours have been extended in order that the office is now open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Monday and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Temporary additional accommodation has also been made available.

In addition, my Department in consultation with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, carried out a review of registration requirements earlier this year and as a result has introduced a number of measures designed to streamline the operation of the registration system. Certain categories of non-EEA nationals will no longer be required to register as often as heretofore thereby reducing the numbers who are likely to attend on any given day. In view of the annual nature of the work permit, holders of such permits will continue to be required to register annually. As other categories such as spouses of Irish nationals will be attending less frequently, there will be less overall demand on the office's operation. The scope for further streamlining of the operation is being kept under ongoing review.

My Department is consulting with the Office of Public Works with a view to securing a new and far larger building for the Dublin office, to enable more persons to be dealt with at any given time and improve the quality of service generally. It is hoped to have this accommodation in place by the end of this year. Furthermore, the Garda authorities are in the process of seeking tenders for the provision of an IT system to make the registration service more efficient. The Garda National Immigration Bureau has my full support in its efforts and I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner in respect of future needs arising in relation to all aspects of the bureau's work.