Written Answers Nos. 181-200
181. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the reckonable income directions under Section 24 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 sent to local authorities in December 2023; the reason persons in receipt of carer's allowance would be disregarded for the tenant purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20061/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if carer's allowance is considered an eligible form of income for the tenant incremental purchase scheme. [20067/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 183 together.
I refer to my answer to Question No. 388 on 30 April which sets out the position in this matter.
182. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the direction his Department has given local authorities in respect of providing homeless services to persons who may be in arrears with their local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20065/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the statutory role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of emergency accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household.
Decisions on the assessment of households for homeless services, the most appropriate form of such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter for the local authority concerned.
184. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered expanding the €800 scheme for pledged accommodation for Ukrainian refugees to become available for social housing applicants; if the rate of payment would be increased in such a scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20097/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pledge a Spare Room Scheme is managed by the Irish Red Cross (IRC) on behalf of the Department of Children, Equability, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY) which is the lead Department in the provision of accommodation and associated supports for Beneficiaries of International Protection (BoTPs) from Ukraine.
Social housing is a long-term support intended to support households that have continuing, long-term difficulty meeting their own accommodation needs. Housing for All commits to deliver an average of at least 33,000 new homes annually, including an average of 10,000 social homes and 6,000 affordable homes for purchase or for rent. This year, €5bn of capital investment is available to support the delivery of housing. This funding will ensure the Government can continue to build on the momentum achieved since the publication of the Plan in September 2021.
Households eligible for social housing support can also access the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), which allows eligible households source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis on which payment has been refused in respect of carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); if her case can be fully and independently examined without reference to previous decisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20123/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
On 13 June 2023, the person concerned was notified that they had no entitlement to Carer's Allowance. As the person had failed to supply such certificates, documents, information, or evidence that was requested, it was not possible for the Social Welfare Inspector to determine if all the necessary conditions for receipt of the allowance were being met. The person concerned was notified of their right to review/appeal and they appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
The SWAO notified the person concerned by way of a letter dated 22 April 2024 that their appeal was disallowed.
A decision of an Appeals Officer (AO) may be revised by an AO in the light of new facts or new evidence brought to attention or if there has been a relevant change of circumstances since the decision was given.
A decision of an AO may also be revised by the Chief Appeals Officer if it appears to them that the decision was erroneous by reason of a mistake as to the facts or the law.
In either case, the person concerned should submit a written statement of the grounds on which a review of the decision is sought and include any new evidence that was not previously considered.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
186. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review of the entitlements of a person (details supplied) could be reviewed. [19952/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fuel allowance is subject to a household composition requirement where everyone who resides in the house is aged 70 or over or, if under the age of 70, in receipt of a qualifying payment from this Department, or an equivalent social security payment from a country covered by EU Regulations or a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement, or Revenue Job Assist. The household composition criteria do not apply:
• for applicants who are renting a room under prescribed conditions within the property for which the rental income is disregarded. This allows for a current limit of up to €269.23 per week in respect of income from renting a room in their own home to be disregarded.
• where a person has been provided with accommodation in the applicant’s own home, for whom the applicant is receiving payments under the accommodation recognition payment scheme.
The living alone increase is available to those who live alone or mainly alone. However, where a person is renting a room or self-contained living area or flat accommodation in their home or allows another person to reside in their home rent free and would otherwise live alone, the claimant may be considered to have satisfied the conditions for the Increase for Living Alone.
Entitlement to the Fuel Allowance for the person concerned was reviewed in January 2024. As the person concerned was residing with a friend who was not in receipt of a qualifying payment and did not meet the household criteria, they were no longer entitled to the Fuel Allowance with effect from 28 March 2024. Entitlement to the living alone increase also ceased with effect from 18 April 2024.
I have arranged for a review of the fuel allowance and the increase for living alone. On completion of the review, the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
187. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered classifying Covid-19 as an occupational illness or as an accident at work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19985/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2023, I published and laid a report before the Oireachtas entitled ‘Report on measures to include long COVID in the Occupational Injuries Benefit Regulations’. This report concluded that COVID-19 does not satisfy the criteria for recognition as an occupational illness or an accident at work under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.
Specifically, presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable on a general basis in the current environment where infection rates are low. The statutory criteria for occupational injuries benefit specify that the disease or injury was caused as a risk of the person’s occupation and is not a risk outside of that profession. Community transmission became dominant by the summer of 2020. Therefore, it has not been possible since then to establish with confidence a general assumption that the disease has been contracted through a person’s occupation and not through community transmission.
The report also outlines that based on the relevant provisions within the Social Welfare Consolidated Act 2005 it is reasonable to determine that COVID-19 is not an accident for the purposes of occupational injuries benefit.
It is important to note that even if Ireland did recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease or an accident at work, this would not encompass long COVID and would only apply to new claims for new cases of COVID-19. Thus, it would not benefit those who contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic.
In relation to employees in the health services who have not recovered from a COVID-19 infection, the report found that the Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees is the appropriate channel through which a targeted sectoral support should be considered. The Department of Health has informed my Department that the Temporary Scheme will conclude on 30 June 2024. Any employee remaining unwell after that date may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.
My Department continues to provide a suite of income supports to those who cannot work due to illness and disability, including those who have not recovered following a COVID-19 related illness.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
188. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the grant for people who suffer hair loss due to illness to reflect the rising costs of materials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20032/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general, medical or health related benefits fall within the remit of the Department of Health and the HSE. However, my Department administers the treatment benefit scheme which provides certain dental, optical, and medical appliances benefits to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. These treatments are also available to dependent spouses or partners, if applicable.
As part of Budget 2022, I announced an expansion to the range of services available under the medical appliances strand of the scheme. A new grant of up to €500 was provided from 28 May 2022 towards the cost of wigs and hairpieces for people who suffer from hair loss due to disease such as cancer and also a number of types of alopecia.
The types of alopecia covered are:
• alopecia areata (which includes alopecia totalis/universalis, diffuse alopecia areata, alopecia ophiasis),
• primary scarring alopecias (including cicatricial alopecia, frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris alopecia),
• chemotherapy induced alopecia (anagen effluvium),
• alopecia resulting from surgery or trauma, including burns.
I am proud as Minister to have worked with representative organisations like Alopecia Ireland and pioneered the introduction of this new scheme. It has been a tremendous success with over 6000 people already availing of it.
My Department keeps schemes under regular review to make sure they meet their objectives. Any change in the level of payment available under the scheme would have to be considered in a policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
189. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if retired nurses who paid a D stamp all their working life and were not allowed to opt for paying an A stamp will have their pension entitlements reviewed to allow them to qualify for a maximum pension rather than the reduced pension they are currently in receipt of; and if she will explain the rationale of the decision that has led to this anomaly. [20041/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic service pension policy is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. However, as regards social insurance contributions, these are made in accordance with the legislation and the employment terms and conditions in force at the time they are made, and eligibility for social insurance benefits flows from those particular contributions.
Civil and public sector employees recruited prior to 6 April 1995 pay social insurance contributions at modified rates under classes B, C and D. Amongst the class B contributors are permanent and pensionable civil servants and Gardaí; the class C contributors are commissioned army officers and members of the army nursing service; and the class D contributors include permanent and pensionable employees in the public service, other than those insured at classes B and C. Civil and public servants recruited from 6 April 1995 pay social insurance at the standard class A rate.
Prior to 6 April 1995, civil and public servants did not have access to the full range of social insurance benefits as their terms of employment protected them against the main contingencies of illness and retirement, and the risk of unemployment was not considered a factor due to the nature of their employment.
Consequently, such contributors pay less in social insurance contributions in return for fewer social insurance benefits. For example, class D contributors currently pay a contribution at the rate of 0.9% on their weekly earnings up to €1,443 and 4% on weekly earnings over that amount and their employers pay a contribution of 2.35% on all employee earnings. Class D contributors are currently entitled to widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's (contributory) pension, guardian's payment (contributory), occupational injuries benefits, parent's benefit and carer's benefit.
In contrast, civil and public servants recruited from 6 April 1995 pay a class A social insurance contribution of 4% on their weekly earnings and their employers pay a contribution of 8.8% where employees’ weekly earnings are €441 or less and 11.05% where their employees’ weekly earnings exceed €441. Class A contributors have access to the full range of social insurance benefits.
190. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a copy of the rules, regulations and procedures in place to guide the fitting, replacement and ownership of hand controls being fitted to car for people with a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20074/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is not a matter for my Department. The matter is likely to be appropriate to one of my colleagues either the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth or the Minister for Transport.
191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the State pension for a person (details supplied) who worked in the Civil Service from 1968 to 1975; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20077/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned reached pension age on 5 April 2016. To date, my department has not received an application for State Pension (contributory).
Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate contributions paid in the state to qualify for standard State Pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.
As the person concerned worked in the civil service, they may be considered for a mixed insurance pension. To qualify for this pension, 520 employment contributions are required, of which at least 260 must be full-rate employment contributions with the remainder made up of modified contributions.
They may also be considered for pro-rata state pension (contributory) under EU/Bilateral legislation based on a combination of their Irish and UK contributions. This pension is payable where a person does not qualify for a pension based on their Irish contributions alone or who may qualify for a higher rate of pension based on a combination of Irish and UK contributions. One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of this pension is that a person must have a combined total of 520 contributions between Ireland and the UK. At least 52 must be Irish contributions or credits, of which 1 must be a paid contribution.
I have introduced a number of reforms to the State Pension including a provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years (1040 weeks). If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, she can apply for Long-Term Carers Contributions (LTCC). If the criteria are met, the equivalent of paid contributions may be attributed to cover gaps in her contribution record. The periods of care-giving do not need to be consecutive.
I have arranged for an application form to issue for LTCC. However, the quickest way to apply is online at MyWelfare.ie if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account. I have also arranged for an application form for state pension (contributory) to issue. On receipt of the completed application forms, entitlement will be examined. Further information is available on the Government website at gov.ie/pensions.
Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a State pension (contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, it is open to them to apply for the State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of €266.00 per week, which is over 95% of the maximum State pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether family income supplement might be made available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20120/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) is an income-tested weekly payment which provides additional financial support to employees on low earnings with children. WFP provides financial support for employees who have low earnings/income relative to their family size. The WFP rate payable is 60% of the difference between the average weekly family income and the relevant prescribed income limit.
To qualify for WFP, a family's income must be below a prescribed limit which varies in accordance with the number of qualified children. All family and household income is assessable for WFP and includes an applicant's and their spouse/partner's average net weekly assessable earnings from employment plus any other income such as other social welfare payments or income from self-employment.
To qualify for Working Family Payment, the applicant or the applicant and their spouse, partner or cohabitant must be in employment working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight as defined in legislation.
According to our records, the person concerned has not applied for WFP. An entitlement to WFP cannot be determined until a completed application is received by the Department.
The easiest and fastest way for customers to make an application for Working Family Payment is online via mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when a basic social welfare payment will be made available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20127/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a range of supports provided by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. These supports can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).
The basic SWA provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or for those who do not qualify for a payment under other State schemes. The purpose of an ANP is to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. SWA payments are means assessed and are awarded at the discretion of the Designated Persons administering the scheme considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
Departmental records show that the person concerned has not made an application for assistance under the SWA scheme. If the person is experiencing financial difficulties, they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
Further information on all of my Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she and her Department have examined the full circumstances of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20129/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly benefit for eligible individuals with a disability expected to last over a year, subject to medical assessment, means testing, and Habitual Residency conditions.
The Department approved a DA application for this individual on 10 August 2022, granting the maximum personal rate and additional payment for qualified child from the same date.
As previously advised, following a review initiated due to information received, the person concerned was asked on 5 March 2024 to complete a household composition form and to verify her means. The assessment determined that half the weekly maintenance received should be attributed as means on her DA claim. This is based on a court order for maintenance provided as part of the review of entitlements. Consequently, her weekly DA rate has been adjusted to €297.50 beginning 15 May 2024. The person was informed of this change on 23 April 2024.
This assessment is in line with legislative provisions on assessing means from maintenance. Future legislative amendments concerning child maintenance disregards will prompt another review of this matter.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
195. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if she intends to engage with the British prime minister to address concerns about the impact of the Rwanda plan on the security and immigration system in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19983/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide details on the engagements between the border management unit of her Department and the equivalent border management and enforcement units of the United Kingdom with respect to the impact of the so-called Rwanda plan and the growing trend of international protection applicants arriving from the UK to the north of Ireland and subsequently to the Republic to claim international protection here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19968/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if she or officials from her Department have engaged with their UK counterparts to address concerns about the impact of the British government's Rwanda plan on the flow of migrants into the Republic of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19982/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra214. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice what additional measures will be introduced to deal with persons, domiciled in Britian, illegally entering this State through transiting Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20052/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice what direct contact she has had with her counterparts in Britain and in Northern Ireland in relation to illegal migration from Britain through Northern Ireland into this State, which she referenced recently at the Oireachtas Justice Committee; the outcome of such discussions, if any; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20080/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195, 206, 207, 214 and 216 together.
I propose to take PQs 195 , 206 , 207 , 214 and 216 together.
Ireland and the United Kingdom share a long history and common interest in the effective operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA), and work together to prevent any abuses of the CTA. There is extensive engagement and cooperation at all levels between my Department’s officials and their Home Office counterparts, as well as significant operational cooperation between the Gardaí, UK policing services and the PSNI. This strong practical engagement and cooperation serves the mutual interests of both Ireland and the United Kingdom, and will continue.
As the Deputies will be aware, I had planned to meet with the UK Home Secretary earlier this week to discuss a range of issues of common interest across our respective briefs. This meeting was postponed due to unavoidable diary commitments and will be rescheduled.
Insofar as the specifics of engagement are concerned, the Common Travel Area Forum (CTAF) acts as a steering committee for the ongoing work of protecting the CTA in relation to free movement of its citizens between both countries while at the same time ensuring that the CTA is not abused by those not entitled to avail of it. The Forum meets twice yearly but also meets in sub-group format to address particular elements of Ireland/UK co-operation, bringing together relevant subject matter expertise in various areas.
There has been an arrangement on returns in place between Ireland and the United Kingdom since Brexit. It was agreed in November 2020. It provides for reciprocal returns and helps to protect against abuse of the Common Travel Area, building on long standing CTA cooperation.
It is important that we resolve abuses together and block any opportunity available to those that try to take advantage for criminal purposes. Such issues of cooperation between An Garda Síochána, my own Department and our UK colleagues highlight the existing strong ties between North & South and East & West. This includes a number of ongoing operations, in co-operation with the UK, tackling abuses of the CTA by identifying illegal secondary movement patterns within the CTA and taking effective actions to disrupt abuse of those routes.
196. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a schedule of Garda stations not yet deemed surplus to the requirements of An Garda Síochána and not currently in use as Garda stations, by county. [20083/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that under the Garda Station Rationalisation Programme of 2012 and 2013, 139 Garda Stations were closed nationwide, and the buildings handed back to the OPW. To date, no other Garda Station has been officially closed by the Garda Commissioner.
Of the 139 stations closed, the following eight stations are being held by the Office of Public Works on behalf of An Garda Síochána, pending further consideration by Garda management.
|
County |
Station |
|
Carlow |
Leighlinbridge |
|
Cavan |
Redhills |
|
Clare |
Kilmihil |
|
Cork |
Rathduff |
|
Leitrim |
Glenfarne |
|
Monaghan |
Clontibret |
|
Monaghan |
Corrinshigagh |
|
Monaghan |
Smithborough |
197. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when the review of the Irish residence permit card fee will be completed; and if a reduction on these fees is anticipated for Budget 2025. [20231/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice if her Department is currently conducting a review of the fee structure of the Irish Residence Permit card; if so, when she expects this review to be completed; if she anticipates any change in the current fee this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20223/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when the review of the Irish Residence Permit card fee will be completed; if a reduction on these fees is anticipated for Budget 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20209/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when the review of fees for the IRP cards will be completed; if a reduction on these fees is anticipated this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20277/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice when the review of the Irish Residence Permit card fee will be completed; if a reduction on these fees is anticipated soon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20453/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice when the review of the Irish residence permit card fee will be completed; if a reduction on these fees is anticipated for this year’s Budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20513/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice when the review of the IRP card fee will be completed; and if a reduction on these fees is anticipated for Budget 2025. [19993/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice when the review of the IRP card fee will be completed; and if a reduction on these fees is anticipated for Budget 2025. [20004/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra217. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice when the review of the Irish residence permit card fee will be completed and if a reduction of the fees is anticipated for this year’s budget. [20089/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 208, 210 and 217 together.
Section 9 of the Immigration Act 2004 provides that a register of non-nationals who have permission to be in the State (in general for a period of 3 months or longer) shall be established and maintained by registration officers. It also provides that a non-national is required to pay a fee to the registration officer for the issue of a registration certificate. This fee is set by regulations made by the Minister for Justice with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card provides the customer with a secure immigration document including individual biometrics indicators protected by a sophisticated encryption system and showing the holders’ immigration status in the State. This high quality secure document is easily recognisable for employers and Government agencies alike. It certifies that a person is legally registered with the Irish immigration authorities and provides details of the immigration permission held. Once a person has an in-date IRP card, there is no requirement to apply for a re-entry visa, should one be required, when returning to the State after a short period abroad.
It is normal practice throughout EU Member States to charge a fee for immigration services.
The current registration fee has remained unchanged since 2012 and is subject to a range of exemptions insofar as certain groups of applicants are concerned.
The standard registration fee of €300 payable by an applicant is designed to reflect the full effort and cost, beyond the physical cost of producing the card itself, in processing registrations. This includes, among other things, the significant staffing costs incurred by my Department and An Garda Síochána, the costs associated with the public offices at which the activity is carried out and the costs of information technology associated with the registration system. The card represents the final element of what may have been a lengthy and complex consideration by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the immigration request by the applicant.
The Deputy may wish to note that a very significant Modernisation Plan is now underway in ISD to provide for a better immigration service to all applicants across our various programmes. There will be a move towards the maximum possible use of digitalisation and business process automation. There is a significant cost involved to the Department with the Modernisation Plan.
I can inform the Deputy that my Department is considering the complex issues involved in all matters relating to registration arrangements (including amounts, duration of permissions, the persons of whom registration is required and the current exemptions). In that context, the financial implications of any potential outcomes will be examined.
When that consideration is complete, Departmental officials will continue their engagement with relevant stakeholders to update them on progress.
