Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
911. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if she has been made aware of access issues with the new online immigration application system; if there are plans to address these issues; and if in-person appointments will be re-instated for those who cannot use the online system. [46177/24]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that, since 13 January 2025, all nationwide first-time registrations of Irish immigration residence permissions are the responsibility of the Registration Office of the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department.
Furthermore, since October 2024, all renewals of immigration permissions transferred to ISD of my Department, meaning that applicants from across the country no longer have to attend in person at their local Garda Station.
Prior to this, over 100 Gardaí were assigned to immigration duties. The civilianisation process has released valuable Garda hours to focus more on operational matters such as investigations and deportations.
To book an appointment to register a first time immigration permission, the applicant can create an account, or log into an existing account, on the ISD Digital Contact Centre (DCC).
Over 10,000 appointments have been booked on the new system since it went live.
There is also a Helpdesk function available to assist applicants with any queries.
I have my officials to contact the Deputy with regard to any specific cases she is aware of.
