Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1278. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice the number of active Zambrano-related applications currently awaiting a decision; the number of decisions that have issued in each of the past 12 months; the date applications currently under final consideration are from; her plans to tackle the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15594/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question relates to decisions under a scheme whereby a non-EEA national who is the biological parent of a minor dependent Irish Citizen Child living in Ireland, can be granted residency rights in Ireland.
There are currently 880 active applications. In the interests of fairness to all applicants, the applications are processed in strict chronological order by the Immigration Service of my Department. Due to the complexity of the individual cases and the need for further documentation to be submitted, the processing time for the individual applications will vary.
The table below details the 403 decisions issued for the period March 2020 to March 2021 (to date):
|
Month |
Irish Citizen Child Decision |
Irish Born Child Renewal |
Total |
|
March 2020 |
64 |
3 |
67 |
|
April 2020 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
May 2020 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
June 2020 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
July 2020 |
27 |
1 |
27 |
|
August 2020 |
15 |
1 |
16 |
|
September 2020 |
48 |
2 |
50 |
|
October 2020 |
35 |
2 |
37 |
|
November 2020 |
35 |
1 |
36 |
|
December 2020 |
39 |
1 |
40 |
|
January 2021 |
32 |
3 |
35 |
|
February 2021 |
36 |
0 |
36 |
|
March 2021 |
42 |
0 |
42 |
The COVID–19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Service of my Department conducts its business. In line with advice issued by the Government, HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the Immigration Service has implemented a suite of measures to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
These measures include the closure of our offices in Burgh Quay and the implementation of remote working for Immigration Services staff in order to comply with social and physical distancing measures. While delays may occur, the Immigration Service is endeavouring to keep operating as efficiently as possible notwithstanding the current challenges.
