Written Answers Nos. 423-442
423. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3779/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person concerned on 9 April 2018. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If any further documentation is required, it will be requested from the person in due course.
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. 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.
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 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.
424. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in respect of the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3780/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy on 18 September 2017. This application continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. If any further documentation is required, it will be requested from the person in due course.
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. 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.
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, 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.
425. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an updated stamp 4 can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3781/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has no outstanding applications pending from the person referred to by the Deputy.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department registers persons residing in the Dublin area only. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) are solely responsible for registering persons who reside in the Cavan area.
GNIB appointments outside Dublin should be made to the individual Garda Station dealing with such appointments. Further information is available on the Registration pages of the Immigration Service website.
An enquiry can also be made to GNIB at the following email address: gnib_dv@garda .ie.
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 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 my Department is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
426. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when procedures will be cleared to facilitate the issue of a passport in the case of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3782/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if they have 5 years (60 Months) reckonable residency on the date of the application.
The minor the Deputy has referred to would not be entitled to a passport as he or she was born in the State after 1 January 2005 and therefore was not entitled to Irish Citizenship at the time of their birth. However, if at the time of the birth one of his or her parents had been a resident in the State for a period of 4 years immediately preceding the birth, the child would have been entitled to make an application for Irish citizenship.
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended provides that an application may be submitted for a minor if the minor's parents have already been naturalised or if the minor is of Irish descent or has Irish associations or, at the time of their birth, was not entitled to Irish Citizenship but has since accumulated 5 years reckonable residency in the State.
Minors cannot apply for naturalisation by themselves. The application must be made by their parent, legal guardian or person acting on the child's behalf "in loco parentis".
For the purpose of naturalisation, reckonable residency (i.e. stamp 1, stamp 3 or stamp 4), is calculated by counting months of permission to remain in the state. Reckonable residency is reflected in the corresponding stamp 1, stamp 3 or stamp 4 endorsements in a person's passport. To meet the statutory residency criteria as laid out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 (as amended), an individual needs to have 60 months (5 years) reckonable residency with the year immediately before the date of application being of continuous residency.
Further information on applying for naturalisation can be found on my Department's website at https://www.irishimmigration.ie/citizenship/.
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 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.
427. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3783/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If further documentation is required, it will be requested from the applicant in due course.
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. 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.
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 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.
428. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3784/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person concerned. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If any further documentation is required, it will be requested from the person in due course.
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. 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.
Queries in relation to the status of any immigration cases may be made directly to my Department 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 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.
429. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3785/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a certificate of naturalisation in relation to the person referred to is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If further documentation is required, it will be requested from the applicant in due course.
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. 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.
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 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.
431. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3787/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted to my Department on behalf of the person 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.
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 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.
432. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress in the determination of eligibility to remain here in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3788/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of receiving an immigration application from the person referred to by the Deputy.
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 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.
433. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress and determination of eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3799/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that, 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 person 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.
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 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.
435. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when consideration will be given to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3801/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department has no record of receiving an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned, an application for renewal of their permission to remain was received on 25 September 2019. Processing of this application is ongoing and the decision, when finalised, will be communicated to the applicant in writing.
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, 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.
436. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 5 December 2019, the status of an application for family reunification in respect of the children of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3802/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Join Family visa applications referred to by the Deputy were received by my Department on 7 March 2019.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications 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 Visa Office to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
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 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.
In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to visamail@justice.ie.
437. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when stamp 2 or stamp 4 will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3803/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy is registered under Stamp 2 Student conditions until May 2020 and, subject to continuing on the course of study, can rely on that permission to continue part-time working and have it renewed for the duration of the course.
However, and depending on the course of study completed, either Degree or Masters level programmes, there may be an opportunity to make an application to transfer to another student- or graduate-related permission.
A person seeking to change their immigration status is advised to apply well in advance of their current immigration permission expiring, clearly setting out the reason for change.
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 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.
438. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the issuing of visas has been refused in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3810/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for Join Family Irish National entry visas were received from both persons referred to on 03 May 2018. Following on from extensive examination both visa applications were refused and refusal letters were issued to both persons on the 09 October 2019.
The persons referred to were offered the opportunity to appeal the decision within 2 months of the date of the refusal letter. As no such appeals were received, both applications are now closed. However, it is open to both persons to submit new visa applications at any time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made directly to the Immigration Service 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 email service except in cases where the response from the Immigration service is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
440. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when revocation of a deportation order will take place in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3813/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, signed on 29 September 2017, requiring them to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
As previously advised, representations were received from the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked and including information regarding her marriage. Following detailed consideration of the information submitted in support of the request, the Deportation Order was affirmed and notified to the person concerned by letter dated 27 November 2018. There is no outstanding correspondence or applications on file for this applicant.
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 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.
441. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a joint family long-stay visa will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3814/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA visa application for the person referred to was lodged on 21 October 2019 to the Irish Embassy in Dar-es-Salaam.
The application is currently being examined and a decision will issue in due course. While it is not possible to give a definitive time-frame as to when the application will be finalised, the Visa Office offers its assurance that there will be no avoidable delay in having this application brought to finality.
While every effort is made to process such applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Visa Office to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information in relation to certain applications. Applications are generally processed in chronological order (i.e. based on date order of receipt).
Applicants are advised not to pay for airline or other travel tickets without first having been issued with a visa.
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, 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.
442. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to inform the European Commission and other relevant bodies of the decision made by the Thirty-second Dáil to reject the EU-Mercosur trade agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2923/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the result of the Motion that was passed in the Dáil on 11th July 2019 and we have committed to conducting a comprehensive, independent Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the finalised EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. In that regard, in January 2020, the Government commissioned ‘Implement Consulting’ to undertake that Impact Assessment which consists of two equally important and complementary components, namely a robust analysis of the potential economic benefits as well as a robust sustainability impact assessment (including social, human rights and environmental impacts) that the trade agreement could have in Ireland and the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Equally, a wide-ranging consultation process will ensure the engagement of all relevant stakeholders in the conduct of the Impact Assessment. This Impact Assessment is designed to assist Government in formulating its position on future ratification of the Agreement, once the EU Commission presents the final legal texts and it is anticipated that the Impact Assessment will be concluded in advance of the November 2020 meeting of the Trade Council where it is expected that the EU-Mercosur Agreement will be submitted for consideration by Ministers.
