Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
321. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider the issue regarding visas raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40514/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that a decision has issued in respect of the visa application referred to. The visa application was submitted to the Irish Embassy in Belgrade on 18 May 2012. It was received in the Visa Office in Dublin for processing on 6 June 2012. A decision was made on the application on 20 September 2012. While applicants are advised to make their visa application at least eight weeks in advance of the proposed date of travel, it should be borne in mind that the timeframe of eight weeks acts as a guideline only. While the majority of applications are dealt with within that period, the actual timeframe for decision ultimately depends on a number of factors, including the number of applications on hand and the resources available to process them. Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be directed to INIS 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 from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
