Written Answers Nos. 94-115
94. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the anti-speeding cameras installed in the Dublin Port tunnel are expected to be operational for the purposes of prosecutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21425/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a Garda report on the matter referred to in the Deputy's question and will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of a Garda report.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
An Garda Síochána is in a position to commence prosecutions when the Average Speed Camera Detection System for the Dublin Port Tunnel becomes operational, which is expected before the end of Quarter 2, 2017.
95. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps her Department is taking to ensure that Ireland has a humanitarian admission programme for families fleeing conflict; her plans to allow persons to co-sponsor family reunification applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21505/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBefore the migration crisis escalated, my predecessor introduced a Syrian Humanitarian Admissions Programme (SHAP), which was subject to certain conditions, including economic dependency being met by the sponsor. This was superseded by the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), which allows for Syrians and other eligible nationalities to benefit from resettlement and relocation schemes, and offers them protection status in Ireland in their own right including all the rights and privileges that that entails. This is a much improved programme allowing thousands to benefit from protection here. I gave an undertaking that Ireland would accept 520 persons for resettlement over an 18-month period to the end of 2017. This was almost double the figure proposed for Ireland by the European Commission and was delivered a year ahead of the Commission deadline. As a result, I announced that Ireland would extend the resettlement programme to take in a further 520 refugees from Lebanon in 2017, most of whom are of Syrian origin. To date, 627 programme refugees have arrived under the resettlement aspect of the programme and 1,040 will arrive in total. In relation to the relocation scheme, a monthly schedule has been agreed with the Greek authorities which will sustain the pace of intakes throughout 2017 at the levels required to allow Ireland to meet its commitments to Greece within the time frame envisaged by the Programme. Ireland will have accepted approximately 1,100 asylum seekers from Greece by September.
My current emphasis is to increase the number of people arriving in Ireland under the programmes currently in place. I am satisfied that we are making considerable progress now and that there is still capacity to ensure more vulnerable people can come to Ireland under our resettlement and relocation programmes. All of our focus needs to be on meeting these targets. In addition, existing avenues remain open as pathways for family reunification.
Significant resources are currently being invested in these humanitarian efforts through the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration and the International Protection Office. As a result, we have established functioning mechanisms and associated expertise to deal with resettlement and relocation. Our response to the migrant crisis, in terms of accepting refugees, is through the IRPP and all available resources are being directed to that Programme in order to meet the commitments entered into.
96. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position and status regarding Garda vetting for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21506/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdditional information received from the Deputy regarding the person referred to has been forwarded to the Garda authorities in seeking information about the status of this vetting application. I will correspond with the Deputy when that report is to hand.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if stamp 4 can issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21567/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State, on a stamp 4 basis, on 11 April 2008. This permission was subsequently renewed with the latest permission granted up to 23 April 2018. This is the same position as was set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 671 of 22 September, 2015.
The Deputy will be aware that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the 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 the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when stamp 4 can issue in the case of a person (details supplied); the progress to date in the determination of the application for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21568/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the person concerned made an application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for permission to remain in the State as the spouse of an Irish National. I have been informed that this application is currently being processed and that the person concerned will be contacted in due course.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility, which has been 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 Parliamentary Question 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.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current residency status in the case of a person (detail supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21569/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that they have received no application from the person concerned. It seems that this person entered the State as a visitor in June 2007 and has remained in the State illegally since July 2007.
This person should be aware that it is unlawful for them, under the Immigration Act 2004, to reside in the State without permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable, under section 13 of the Immigration Act of 2004, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. As the person in question does not have immigration permission to remain in the State, they are not entitled to work. Against this background, they should be advised to write to Unit 2 Residence Division in INIS without delay and to include their current address, an outline of their history in the State, a copy of the birth certificate for the person's child, and a full copy of their passport or passports issued to either of them since their arrival in the State.
Might I remind the Deputy, that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 questions where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited. In the cases of persons who are illegally present in the State they should always be advised to make an application to INIS.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21571/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that this person registered as a student in the State on 10 March 2014. This permission expired on 2 March 2015. No further application has been received in my Department from this person.
It appears that this person has been unlawfully in the State since March 2015. A non-national may not be in the State other than with the terms of any permission given to the person concerned by the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person who contravenes this requirement may have committed an offence and if found guilty is liable, under section 13 of the Immigration Act of 2004, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. As this person does not have current immigration permission they are not entitled to work in the State.
Queries in relation to the Status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 Parliamentary Question 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.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to regularise residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21572/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that they have no record of the person named by the Deputy.
From the limited information provided, it appears that the person concerned may never have had permission to remain in the State, and they should be aware that under section 5 of the Immigration Act, 2004 it is unlawful for a non-national to be in the State other than in accordance with the terms of any permission given by the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person who contravenes such a requirement may have committed an offence and if found guilty is liable, under section 13 of the Immigration Act of 2004, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. As the person in question does not appear to have immigration permission to remain in the State, they are not entitled to work. Against this background, they should be advised to write to Unit 2 Residence Division INIS without delay and to include their current address, an outline of their history in the State, and a full copy of their passport or passports since their arrival in the State.
Might I remind the Deputy, that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 questions where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position in respect of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied). [21573/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned applied for a right of residency, accompanied by a right to work, based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child. The application was received in the relevant section of the INIS on 13 October 2016. I am further informed that INIS wrote to the applicant on 7 March 2017 requesting further information and the application will be considered further when a reply is received.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of 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 from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for asylum in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21576/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, following the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 on 31 December 2016, new arrangements for the investigation and determination of applications for international protection (refugee status and subsidiary protection) and cases involving permission to remain in the State have been introduced. Such applications are being processed, as part of a single application procedure, by the new International Protection Office (IPO) which has replaced the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) from that date. The staff of the International Protection Office (the Chief International Protection Officer and International Protection Officers) are independent in the performance of their protection functions.
If an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications and the applicant should contact the International Protection Office directly either by email to info@ipo.gov.ie, by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to the Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
For your information, on 27 February 2017 the Chief International Protection Officer, following consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published a statement on the Prioritisation of Applications for International Protection under the International Protection Act 2015. The IPO statement in relation to the prioritisation of applications is available on their website (www.ipo.gov.ie).
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21579/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to his Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 30 March 2017. The position remains as stated. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is under consideration and has not yet reached a conclusion.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, 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.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically 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.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for stamp 4 or equivalent in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21580/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has had their permission to remain in the State renewed for a further three year period to 17 April 2020. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by registered post dated 24 April 2017.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of 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 from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if stamp 4 or an equivalent family reunification application or visa can be facilitated for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21581/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the “Join Family” applications referred to were refused on appeal by the Visa Office in Abu Dhabi in 2014 and the applicants were advised accordingly. No further applications were made.
It is open to any visa required national to apply for a visa for any purpose. Each application is considered on its individual merits with the Visa Officer having regard to all of the information available including any previous applications made. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that any visa sought should be granted.
Further information on the circumstances in which a person can seek to sponsor a family member to join them in the State are set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification published on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie
The Deputy may wish to note that queries may be made directly 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 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. In addition, members of the public may themselves e-mail queries relating to visa applications directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
107. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in Dublin metropolitan region west; the number of gardaí in Dublin metropolitan region west, by station, for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21657/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been advised by the Commissioner that as of the 31 March 2017 there were 660 Garda with 27 Garda Reserves and 46 civilians attached to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation) and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that 981 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 87 of which were assigned to the DMR West Division. I am also informed that another 600 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across the organisation, including the DMR West Division.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will benefit all areas of Garda activity.
The number of Gardaí assigned to DMR West by Station for each of the years 2013-2016 and to 31 March 2017, the latest for which figures are currently available, is as set out in the table.
Garda Strength D.M.R. West 2013 -2017
|
District |
Station |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
162 |
156 |
154 |
143 |
146 |
|
CABRA |
83 |
73 |
67 |
61 |
61 |
|
|
FINGLAS |
108 |
108 |
106 |
106 |
101 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
353 |
337 |
327 |
310 |
308 |
|
|
CLONDALKIN |
BALLYFERMOT |
87 |
85 |
86 |
85 |
83 |
|
CLONDALKIN |
91 |
89 |
87 |
94 |
88 |
|
|
RATHCOOLE |
23 |
23 |
21 |
19 |
17 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
201 |
197 |
194 |
198 |
188 |
|
|
LUCAN |
LUCAN |
72 |
74 |
73 |
74 |
73 |
|
RONANSTOWN |
91 |
91 |
94 |
91 |
91 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
163 |
165 |
167 |
165 |
164 |
|
|
D.M.R. WEST TOTAL: |
8 STATIONS |
717 |
699 |
688 |
673 |
660 |
*As of 31 March 2017
108. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons applying for refugee status that have applied on the grounds of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender status during each of the past five years; the number of those persons who were successful; the overall percentage success rate for refugee applications through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS; the INIS criteria involved for people to prove they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender; if there is an appeals process; the details of the appeals process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21670/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 8 of the International Protection Act 2015, as commenced on 31 December, 2016, sets out the applicable reasons for persecution when considering an application for international protection on the grounds referred to by the Deputy. Applications are processed by the International Protection Office (IPO). The Chief International Protection Officer and the International Protection Officers of the Office are independent by law in the exercise of their international protection functions. They are also bound by confidentiality provisions in respect of applicants, as set out in the 2015 Act. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the International Protection Office does not keep statistics specific to the grounds on which protection applications are made.
All applicants for international protection are carefully interviewed and their cases are individually assessed by experienced caseworkers. The circumstances of each individual case is assessed having regard to both the subjective elements (the applicant’s own account or personal history) and objective elements (up-to-date information on the applicant’s country or place of origin). Supporting documentation submitted by applicants is also taken into account. Country of Origin information is obtained from a variety of legitimate sources such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Amnesty International and other NGOs, the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), the US State Department and the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board.
Applicants for international protection can appeal the recommendation of the IPO to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) and may also seek remedies through the Courts. The procedures for appeal are set out in Part 6 and Part 10 of the International Protection Act 2015 as well as in the International Protection Act 2015 (Procedures and Periods for Appeals) Regulations 2017.
The overall recognition rate in relation to refugee status is approximately 20% per annum over the last five years. It should be noted that, in addition, many other applicants would have subsequently acquired subsidiary protection status, humanitarian leave to remain or other forms of status allowing them to remain in Ireland.
109. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which audits are conducted for goods, money and drugs seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21676/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with its statutory remit, as set out in the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, the Bureau takes action to deprive or to deny persons of assets which derive, or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly from criminal conduct; or the benefit of such assets.
As required by the Criminal Assets Bureau 1996, the financial accounts of the Bureau must be submitted on an annual basis for examination to the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG).
The Office of the C&AG, in accordance with its statutory functions, conducts an annual audit of the Bureau.
In addition, my Department’s Internal Audit Unit provides support to the Bureau in monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the Bureau’s arrangements for governance, risk management and internal control.
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current residency status and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that an application for naturalisation was made in July 2015; the progress to date in respect of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21693/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to his Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 19 January 2017. The position remains as stated. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is under consideration and has not yet reached a conclusion.
The records show that the person's permission to reside expired on 10 March 2017. All non-EEA nationals are required to keep their permission to remain in the State up to date at all times and failure to do so may adversely affect an application for a certificate of naturalisation. It is open to the individual concerned to apply to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department to have his permission renewed.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, 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.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically 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.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the determination of an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21694/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my response to Parliamentary Questions Number 90 of 16 February 2017 and Number 66 of 9 March 2017.
As previously advised, this person entered the State on 23 June 2015 and was granted permission to remain on student conditions until 17 June 2016. There is no record that this person has made any further application to my Department. It appears that this person may be in the State without immigration permission. The person should be aware that under section 5 of the Immigration Act, 2004 it is unlawful for a non-national to be in the State other than in accordance with the terms of any permission given by the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person who contravenes such a requirement may have committed an offence and if found guilty is liable, under section 13 of the Immigration Act of 2004, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. It is incumbent on them to present themselves to their local Immigration Officer without delay.
Queries in relation to the Status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 Parliamentary Question 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.
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will be reached in the case of an application for residency status in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21695/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that this person's request for immigration permission is currently under consideration and INIS will be writing to the person concerned very shortly.
Might I remind the Deputy, that queries in relation to individual cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 Parliamentary Question 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.
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status of a person (details supplied) who wishes to apply for stamp 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21696/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is currently registered under Stamp 3 permission with an expiry date of 12 March 2018. To date, they have not made an application for Stamp 4 residency based on family dependency. If they wish to make such an application they may do so by writing to the Family Dependent Unit, Residence Division Unit 5, PO Box 12695, Dublin 2. The Family Dependent Unit will advise them of the requirements for same. If the person is not the dependent of an Irish National they may wish to consult the INIS website for information on the various options for obtaining a Stamp 4 permission and they may make the appropriate application.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by email 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 email service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status of a person (details supplied) who wishes to apply for stamp 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21697/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is currently registered under Stamp 3 conditions with an expiry date of 12 March 2018. To date, they have not made an application to Unit 5 Residence Division for Stamp 4 residency based on family dependency. If they wish to make such an application they may do so by writing to the Family Dependent Unit, Residence Division Unit 5, PO Box 12695, Dublin 2. The Family Dependent Unit will advise them of the requirements for same. If the person is not the dependent of an Irish National they may wish to consult the INIS website for information on the various options for obtaining a Stamp 4 permission to assist them in making the appropriate application.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by email 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 email service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21698/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that they have no record of an application for residency in respect of the person concerned based on the information provided by the Deputy.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by email 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 email service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
