Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
336. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice the steps that are being taken to address the continued delays in applicants receiving appointment dates at the Garda immigration section in Limerick with 18 week lead-in times for such appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5120/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána has oversight of the first registration and renewal of immigration residence permissions for non-EU/EEA/UK nationals residing outside of the Dublin area. I have no role in regard to the scheduling of these appointments. The waiting time for appointments outside of Dublin is dependent on the demand for registrations in each office, and fluctuates based on seasonal demands and other variations.
My Department's Registration Office in Burgh Quay is responsible for registering immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area only.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (COFPI) recommended that immigration administrative functions should transfer from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to the Department of Justice. My Department and An Garda Síochána have engaged intensively on the scope of immigration operations to transfer to the Department and a roadmap outlining the functions for transfer is currently being finalised.
The roadmap will address the future transfer of work relating to the nationwide registration and renewal (outside of Dublin) of residence permission and the renewal of such permission from An Garda Síochána to the Registration Office of my Department.
