Written Answers Nos. 214-233
214. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will review and examine the visas restrictions with regard specifically to a South African business operating in Ireland as processing delays are making it difficult for directors of Irish operations to access the country in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13157/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that on 10 July 2024 visa requirements were introduced for nationals of South Africa, bringing our arrangements into alignment with the visa requirements of Schengen members states, and with those of the UK.
The Dublin Visa Office have established a dedicated “South Africa Desk” to process applications from residents of South Africa. My Department also established Visa Application Centres, located throughout South Africa, with visa service provider VFS Global. This is to ensure the facilitation of legitimate travel with processes that are robust, effective, and fair.
Since July 2024 over 18,500 applications of all types have been received by the South African Desk and over 16,900 decisions have issued.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department does issue multiple entry visas to individuals who wish to visit Ireland on a regular basis. When an individual applies for a short stay ‘C’ visa they may request to be granted either a single or a multiple entry visa. If an individual wishes to apply for a multiple entry visa, they should indicate this on their application and pay the visa fee for a multiple entry visa. The granting of a multiple entry visa is at the discretion of the Visa Officer and are usually only issued to individuals who demonstrate previous compliant travel history.
Further information on the application process for multiple entry visas is published on my Department’s website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/single-multiple-visas/
I can advise the Deputy the majority of visas received by the South Africa Desk are being processed within the target processing times, which for Business / Conference / Event visas from South African nationals is 6 – 8 weeks.
Applicants are advised that unforeseen delays can arise, which are outside the control of the Department. Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors and varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.
My Department publishes guidance for applicants and weekly decision reports, at the following webpage: www.irishimmigration.ie/south-africa-visa-desk/
Any applicant can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s new Customer Service portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
215. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will review a case (details supplied) of a medical doctor resident and working since 2023 who has been denied renewal of their residency permit and informed that An Garda Síochána no longer renew such permits; if he accepts that a yearly visa which only allows the holder to be absent from the State for a short period annually is unsuitable for a doctor working in the Irish health service but with family living abroad; if he accepts that this situation poses difficulties for my them in relation avoiding double taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12981/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the online renewal application for the person cited was refused on 9 September 2025. The reasons for this refusal were communicated directly to the applicant by the Registration Office of my Department.
Since October 2024, all renewals of immigration permissions transferred from An Garda Síochána to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department, therefore removing the need for applicants to attend in person at their local Garda Station to renew their permission.
Renewals are now done online using the ISD renewal portal at: inisonline.jahs.ie/user/login. Further information on the renewal process is available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/#processing
The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) provides doctors the opportunity to work in Ireland, and was developed by agreement between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), in order to facilitate specialised, highly-skilled employment of a short term nature (generally less than 90 days) that is not supported by current Employment Permit legislation.
Further details on the AWS can be found at: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/
A doctor may also apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). The criteria and conditions for obtaining employment permits are set by the DETE. Details of these employment permits and how to apply can be found at: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/
In both instances, applicable candidates are granted a permission on Stamp 1 conditions and are permitted to remain in the State in accordance with the conditions of that permission. Further details on the different immigration stamps, and their associated conditions, are available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/information-on-registering/immigration-permission-stamps/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, 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.
216. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department intends to publish a Death in Custody Report (details supplied); the timeline for same; the date of the publication of the report as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12995/26]
View answerI would firstly like to express my sympathies to the family of the deceased individual in question. I regret the delay in publishing the report.
The Office of the Inspector of Prisons Death in Custody Report in the case the Deputy is referring to was received by my Department in July 2025. Legal advice, relevant to the publication of the report, was being sought at that time.
That legal advice has now been received by my Department and I expect to be in a position to publish the report shortly.
217. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any actions he is taking to reduce processing times for applications for Irish citizenship by naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13014/26]
View answer218. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the average waiting time for applications for Irish citizenship by naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13015/26]
View answer219. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of members of a community (details supplied) in relation to delays in processing visa applications; the actions he will take to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13016/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 219, inclusive, together.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and I want to assure anyone who has submitted an application for naturalisation that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note, however, that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some checks, such as international checks, can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely outside the control of the Immigration Service.
For that reason, while I expect that going forward, most applicants will receive a decision within one year, this cannot be guaranteed in the case of all applications.
Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to improve the process for applicants. These include introducing an online digital application, online payments, and eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are reducing processing times.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account at: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
220. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 11 February 2026, to include all visa application figures that have been granted for the past ten years including applications that were subsequently granted at appeal, business visas, conference visas, medical visas, and any other visa category that have been issued. [13023/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that my Department currently operates seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. These are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated authority from my Department.
Visa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people moving to Ireland for employment, study and family reasons and also to facilitate visitors who wish to travel for business and/or tourism. It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system.
Any visa required national who wishes to enter the State and remain for up to 90 days must have a Type C short-stay visa, wile those intending to reside for longer than 90 days must have a Type D long-stay visa.
In 2025, approximately 206,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 2% compared to 2024, with over 3,900 additional applications received. This follows a 21% increase in applications in 2024 compared to 2023. My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 8,700 additional visa decisions have issued in 2025, compared to 2024.
I can advise the Deputy that table 1 below details the number of visas granted at first instance and at appeal for the various visa categories. Please note that it is the policy of my Department not to release numbers where there are less than 5, as there is a possibility that a person may be identifiable by releasing such information.
Table 1. Visas granted at first instance and at appeal by category from 2016 to 2025.
|
Category / Reason for Travel |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Business |
17,333 |
17,858 |
19,041 |
21,518 |
3,895 |
1,158 |
8,315 |
12,639 |
15,733 |
15,816 |
|
Conference/Event |
9,498 |
9,705 |
12,186 |
10,617 |
1,300 |
257 |
5,589 |
7,953 |
8,991 |
8,459 |
|
Employment |
4,089 |
4,466 |
4,591 |
6,998 |
5,068 |
6,870 |
16,432 |
15,496 |
12,446 |
11,470 |
|
Employment/Scientific Researcher |
276 |
290 |
357 |
382 |
250 |
323 |
435 |
432 |
453 |
208 |
|
EU Treaty Rights |
7 |
11 |
29 |
5 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
|
Exam |
669 |
578 |
526 |
505 |
100 |
58 |
208 |
344 |
360 |
560 |
|
Family member of EU/EEA/Swiss cit. (de facto partner) |
54 |
70 |
49 |
43 |
9 |
16 |
24 |
14 |
15 |
24 |
|
Family member of EU/EEA/Swiss cit. (other) |
427 |
512 |
556 |
523 |
118 |
180 |
247 |
454 |
589 |
836 |
|
Family member of EU/EEA/Swiss cit. (spouse) |
1,055 |
1,135 |
1,092 |
1,116 |
292 |
534 |
763 |
955 |
1,192 |
1,645 |
|
Family Re-unification |
367 |
663 |
429 |
16 |
9 |
< 5 |
37 |
14 |
< 5 |
< 5 |
|
International Protection – Family Reunification |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
136 |
|
Internship |
182 |
185 |
178 |
185 |
30 |
57 |
157 |
133 |
149 |
144 |
|
Join Family (de facto partner CSEP/HA) |
|
|
|
|
5 |
42 |
70 |
79 |
65 |
99 |
|
Join Family (Irish nat.)(de facto partner) |
44 |
43 |
38 |
28 |
12 |
31 |
51 |
18 |
21 |
30 |
|
Join Family (Irish nat.)(other) |
519 |
507 |
432 |
435 |
351 |
519 |
488 |
559 |
619 |
528 |
|
Join Family (Irish nat.)(spouse) |
758 |
825 |
732 |
705 |
514 |
675 |
682 |
708 |
607 |
715 |
|
Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(de facto partner) |
37 |
29 |
21 |
40 |
28 |
31 |
42 |
26 |
54 |
37 |
|
Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(other) |
2,257 |
2,513 |
2,554 |
3,288 |
2,963 |
4,669 |
7,355 |
7,425 |
8,547 |
7,046 |
|
Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(spouse) |
1,994 |
2,419 |
2,459 |
3,504 |
3,069 |
4,639 |
7,560 |
6,790 |
7,843 |
6,802 |
|
Join Family (UK nat.) |
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
68 |
27 |
32 |
54 |
|
Join Ship |
32 |
70 |
104 |
115 |
23 |
76 |
14 |
6 |
5 |
24 |
|
Marriage/Civil Partnership |
46 |
55 |
46 |
40 |
12 |
14 |
66 |
61 |
44 |
63 |
|
Medical Treatment |
19 |
26 |
10 |
10 |
6 |
7 |
16 |
6 |
38 |
92 |
|
Minister of Religion |
146 |
198 |
118 |
81 |
25 |
31 |
116 |
66 |
102 |
90 |
|
Other |
3,325 |
3,470 |
3,240 |
3,326 |
1,082 |
1,225 |
2,323 |
2,950 |
3,306 |
2,489 |
|
Performance/Tournament |
1,735 |
1,491 |
1,489 |
1,688 |
355 |
558 |
808 |
848 |
1,383 |
1,668 |
|
Study |
10,057 |
11,394 |
14,404 |
17,214 |
7,822 |
11,744 |
17,594 |
18,539 |
21,603 |
18,216 |
|
Training |
1,888 |
1,864 |
1,865 |
1,998 |
421 |
69 |
720 |
879 |
885 |
1,039 |
|
Transit |
173 |
159 |
128 |
142 |
26 |
12 |
34 |
59 |
99 |
87 |
|
Visit |
47,314 |
49,638 |
54,268 |
62,550 |
9,823 |
8,691 |
43,197 |
60,648 |
74,670 |
82,641 |
|
Volunteer |
70 |
69 |
57 |
49 |
24 |
20 |
38 |
24 |
16 |
15 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing. A decision made in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
* International Protection Family Reunification (IP FRU) category was added at the end of July 2025, so these figures do not represent a full year. Prior to July 2025 IP FRU visas were included in another Join Family category such as Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(spouse) or Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(other).
* Join Family (de facto partner CSEP/HA) was a new category introduced to capture the specific cohort and streamline their visa processing
* Join Family (UK nat.) category was covered by EUTR prior to Brexit.
221. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the visit visa is used for tourists entering the country; and the category of people it serves. [13024/26]
View answerVisa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people wishing to travel to Ireland and form an important part of the State's immigration system. Each visa application is assessed on its own merits, taking all relevant information into consideration at that time.
In 2025, approximately 206,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 2% compared to 2024, with over 3,900 additional applications received. This follows a 21% increase in applications in 2024 compared to 2023. My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 8,700 additional visa decisions have issued in 2025, compared to 2024.
A short stay or 'C' visa allows people to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to travel around as a tourist, visit family or friends, study on a short-term course, get married, or receive medical treatment.
Further information on visit visas and the application process is available at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/
I can advise the Deputy that any person who is unsure whether they require a visa or preclearance to travel to Ireland can check the relevant requirements for their nationality at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/visit-ireland-travel-path/
Any person who wishes to make a visa application must do so online at:
222. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the funding allocated to NGOs by his Department in 2025; the funding allocated to NGOs by agencies and bodies under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13090/26]
View answerMy Department provides funding to a range of organisations including community and voluntary sector organisations. In 2025, this funding amounted to €66.3 million across various funding streams, including in areas of responsibility which transferred to my Department from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in May 2025.
The organisations funded provide vital services in many areas across the justice sector including youth justice services, crime prevention, supports for victims of crime, migrant integration and community safety.
I am informed that, in 2025, Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) Agency had a total budget of approximately €66 million. Of this, circa €58 million related to core funding allocated to DSGBV services.
The Probation Service works with a network of Community Based Organisations (CBOs) across the country. They provide essential services to help clients address their offending behaviour as well as supporting sustainable change and integration. The Probation Service budget for community organisations in 2025 was €21 million.
Finally, The Irish Prison Service provides funding to organisations supporting prisoner services, resettlement, family supports, addiction counselling, Traveller initiatives, and community-based programmes. In 2025, this funding totaled €5.3 million.
223. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will enact the recommendations relevant to his Department outlined in the Joint Committee on Drugs Use Interim Report published on 22 October 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13120/26]
View answerThe Government’s strategic approach in relation to the misuse of drugs is set out in Ireland’s National Drug Strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’, a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025. The strategy is led by my colleagues in the Department Health, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor.
The Strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach to reducing demand, while also reducing access to illegal drugs, and is aimed at reducing the number of people criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use. While this Strategy supports vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across Government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs.
This represents a whole-of-Government response to reducing demand and associated harms, while balancing this with limiting access to illegal drugs to the greatest extent possible.
My Department is fully committed to helping to significantly reduce the harms caused to families and communities by illicit drug use. The three main policy objectives we are seeking to achieve in this area are:
• tackling organised crime,
• minimising the harms caused to those with addiction issues, and
• diverting people from involvement in crime and illicit drug related activity.
Officials from my Department have engaged with the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities and wider society.
The Department of Health and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration have devised a Health Diversion Scheme for individuals in possession of drugs for personal use, within the existing legal framework. The scheme will facilitate members of An Garda Síochána to connect participants with health services, thereby diverting suitable individuals away from a route towards custody and offering them a pathway towards treatment and recovery. The operational aspects of the scheme are currently being finalised and the scheme is expected to commence in the near future.
The Health Diversion Scheme is in line with the recommendation of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use for a comprehensive health-led response to drug use. While the possession of controlled drugs would remain illegal, people found to be in possession for personal use would be afforded, first and foremost, extensive opportunities to engage voluntarily with healthcare services.
Separately, the Government is preparing a response to the 36 recommendations of the Citizens Assembly, taking into account the report of the Joint Committee on Drug Use, which will form the building blocks of the new national drugs strategy.
It is the Government’s ambition that the next national drugs strategy will support a society where the use of drugs is decreased, drug-related harms are reduced, and recovery from drug dependency is supported. The draft National Drugs Strategy 2026-2029 was published earlier this month by Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and I understand that her Department plans to commence a public consultation on the draft Strategy shortly.
224. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new gardaí allocated to the Tipperary division for each of the years 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13131/26]
View answerAn Garda Síochána publish figures in relation to the allocation of probationer Gardaí by Division and training station on their website, including the Clare/Tipperary Garda Division. This can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/garda-strength-breakdown-2025.html
The Deputy should select December 2025 for the most up to date data available, and then select the file titled ‘Allocation of Probationer Gardai by Division and Station 2015 to December 2025’.
I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that two probationer Gardaí were allocated to stations in the Clare/Tipperary Division after the most recent attestation 6 February 2026. One was assigned to Clonmel station and one to Ennis Station.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 for all operational policing matters, including the distribution and deployment of probationer Gardaí to Garda stations across the State.
225. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a South African national who is legally a resident of Spain is allowed to travel to Ireland using their residency permit or must they apply for a holiday visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13159/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that South African nationals are visa required and must have a valid Irish entry visa before they seek to enter the State.
Ireland is not part of the Schengen area and operates its own visa system. Accordingly, holding a residence permit issued by another State, including a Schengen State such as Spain, does not remove the requirement for a visa-required national to obtain an Irish visa.
A South African national who intends to travel to Ireland for a short stay of up to 90 days, including for tourism or holiday purposes, must apply for a Short Stay 'C' visa.
Further information on visit visas and the application process is available at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/
Any person that wishes to make a visa application must do so online at:
www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx
A visa required national may not need an Irish visa to travel to Ireland if they have a valid “Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen” issued under Article 10 of Directive 2004/38/EC (the “Free Movement Directive”) and are travelling with or joining the EU citizen. They are advised to contact the issuing authority to check if the document they have comes within the definition of the Directive, as implemented by that particular Member State.
226. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide statistics for the delays in family law proceedings in Letterkenny Circuit Court; if there are plans to reduce waiting times for contested cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13160/26]
View answerManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution.
To ensure that our judiciary is resourced appropriately, 24 additional judges were appointed in 2023 on foot of the Judicial Planning Working Group report. Following an impact assessment, Government approved to increase judicial numbers by a second tranche of an additional 20 extra judicial posts in October 2024. On December 10 2025, the legislation to enable this was enacted through the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025.
As the specific matter of waiting times at Letterkenny Circuit Court are an operational matter for the Courts Service, I have referred this element of the question to the Courts Service for their direct reply. The Deputy may also be aware that the Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
227. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if an application for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13166/26]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy applied to renew their immigration permission on 24 November 2025 and this application is currently in the queue for consideration.
The Registration Office within Immigration Service Delivery of my Department provide a live processing date, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/#processing
They are currently processing applications submitted from 21 November 2025. In order to ensure a fair and equitable service, renewals are processed in order of date submitted.
If the application is approved, the person concerned can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the following 10-15 working days.
The Registration Office has also issued a notice to employers regarding the legality of employing someone awaiting renewal. This notice can be found here: www.irishimmigration.ie/notice-to-employers-regarding-employees-awaiting-renewal-of-their-irp-card/
If an employee’s IRP card has expired and they are unable to obtain a new one by the expiry date of their current IRP card, they are still legally permitted to remain in the State on their existing IRP card for a maximum of 12 weeks. This 12 week provision is subject to the employee providing proof that they have applied to renew their permission, including when changing stamp category, prior to their current IRP card expiring.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, 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.
228. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reasons for the ongoing delays in the renewal of residence permits; the steps being taken to address the current processing backlog, given that applications are presently only being processed from mid-November; whether issues have arisen with the new online renewal system introduced to replace the GNIB process; the timeline for when processing times will return to normal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13171/26]
View answerThe Registration Office of my Department is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand for first time registration appointments and immigration permission renewal applications.
I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is doing everything possible to facilitate as many customers as possible and I am working with officials to ensure that increased processing capacity is put in place to address the high demand.
The Registration Office provide a live processing date, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/#processing
They are currently processing applications submitted from 21 November 2025. To ensure a fair and equitable service, renewals are processed in order of date submitted. Customers may submit their renewal applications up to 12 weeks prior to expiry of permission, to allow sufficient time for an application to be reached and processed prior to a current permission expiring.
If an application is approved, it may take up to a further 15 business days to receive the new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card by post.
The Registration Office has also issued a notice to employers regarding the legality of employing someone awaiting renewal. This notice can be found here: www.irishimmigration.ie/notice-to-employers-regarding-employees-awaiting-renewal-of-their-irp-card/
I 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 Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department. Furthermore, since 2024, all renewals of immigration permissions transferred to ISD and are done using my Department’s online platform, meaning that applicants from across the country no longer have to attend in person at their local Garda Station.
This completed the full civilianisation of the Garda administrative immigration functions as recommended by the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. Prior to this transfer, over 100 Gardaí were assigned to immigration duties.
Building on this, and in keeping with the Government commitment to significantly enhance the delivery of public services digitally, phase one of my Department's Immigration Customer Service Portal also went live in 2024. The Portal is a self-service portal that enables applicants to check their immigration application status, book first-time registration appointments, and submit queries.
This digitisation is aimed at providing a system that is as efficient as possible for our customers. My Department continues to monitor customer experience and is committed to its continuous improvement.
The functionality of all our online platforms are under constant review and there are no reported issues with my Departments online systems. If the Deputy is aware of any particular issues with the service or an application, he can contact my Department's Immigration Oireachtas service, IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, who can assist to resolve the matter.
229. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a person and their child (details supplied) can be transferred to an IPAS centre closer to their child’s creche in Swords. [13180/26]
View answerThe Department cannot comment publicly on individual cases, but I have passed details of this case to officials in my Department and it is receiving attention.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has a number of protocols and procedures in place for considering applications for transfers and to resolve queries or complaints from residents.
If a person applying for international protection has any concerns in relation to their accommodation, they can contact IPAS directly via a dedicated helpdesk at: ipasinbox@justice.ie
230. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to clarify whether the Government instructed Mayo Local and Community Safety Partnership to hold its meetings in private, away from the media; the rationale behind the instruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13187/26]
View answerI want to assure the Deputy that no instruction of the type referred to by the Deputy has been issued by my Department. Local Community Safety Partnerships are free to make whatever arrangements they see fit in relation to their relationships with the media.
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced in April 2025, provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships (’Safety Partnership’) within each local authority area.
The National Office for Community Safety, an Office of my Department, has responsibility for providing training, guidance and support to Local Community Safety Partnerships. Last year the Office issued a comprehensive guidance document for the establishment and operation of Local Community Safety Partnerships to Chief Executives of local authorities and their staff to support the establishment of the Safety Partnership in their administrative area.
Transparency and accountability to the general public and media are an important factor of the Safety Partnerships’ work. The guidance suggests that media attendance at meetings may be facilitated, at their discretion, by way of a request to the Chair.
The work of Local Community Safety Partnerships is relational and based on a partnership approach. The guidance suggests that, in the first year of the partnership consideration should be given to holding meetings in private to allow for relationships and trust to develop among members as the Safety Partnership develops its workplan. As noted in the guidance, this approach should be reviewed as the Partnership's work evolves and it is open to each Partnership to decide how it engages with the media.
Local Community Safety Partnerships replace and build upon the good work previously undertaken by Joint Policing Committees (JPCs), however, they differ considerably in their approach and constitution. The LCSPs bring together a broad range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area. The LCSPs include residents, local councillors, community representatives, business and education representatives, and a range of public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the local authority. This is a very different arrangement to the JPCs which were limited to local representatives and An Garda Síochána.
It should be noted that, whilst Local Community Safety Partnerships are hosted by local authorities, they are not a committee of the council. In accordance with the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing, and in recognition that community safety is not solely the responsibility of An Garda Síochána, they bring together a broader range of relevant stakeholders to identify and respond to issues relating to community safety in a coordinated, proactive way.
Local Community Safety Partnerships therefore represent a significant step towards a more collaborative, responsive, and locally driven model of public safety and will play a major role in enhancing public safety alongside An Garda Síochána, residents, businesses and state agencies.
The guidance document is intended to assist the Safety Partnerships with their work and provides the flexibility to develop and implement arrangements that are responsive to local circumstances and community safety needs. It is a "living document", which can be updated to reflect new learnings, as well as changes in policy and operational context. It has been informed by the independent evaluation of the pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships in Dublin North Inner City, Longford, and Waterford.
In recognition of the need for transparency and the important role of the media, the guidance also advises that where a Local Community Safety Partnership holds meetings in private, a report of the meeting should be made publicly available as soon as is practicable and that such reports be shared directly with the media as part of a Safety Partnership's communications strategy.
Additionally, as outlined in the Regulations for the operation of Local Community Safety Partnerships, they may hold as many meetings as required but must meet at least six times a year, including one public meeting, which all members of the community, including the media, can attend.
231. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that compares our justice system with those of other EU countries, the actions he is taking to address the specific statistics in relation to the significantly high rate of sexual offences in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13206/26]
View answer232. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any review within his Department in relation to a report published by the Law Society of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13207/26]
View answer233. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions he will take to address any of the concerns related to crime levels in Ireland outlined in a report published by the Law Society of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13208/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 to 233, inclusive, together.
My Department is aware of the report published by the Law Society of Ireland, which compares Ireland’s recorded sexual offence rate with other EU countries. While international comparisons are informative, it is important to note that differences between jurisdictions can reflect variations in legal definitions, recording practices and procedures. In Ireland, rising figures may also indicate that more victims and survivors feel able to come forward and report offences, reflecting increased confidence in An Garda Síochána and awareness of, and confidence in, the support services available.
The findings reinforce the importance of our Zero Tolerance Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV). The Strategy is focused on ensuring a victim- centred approach, guiding how services respond to survivors and aiming to support them in coming forward safely. It is informed by a social change model that seeks to challenge myths and misconceptions about DSGBV and to create a safe space for victims and survivors to share their experiences and be heard.
Cuan has been established to lead delivery of services and coordinate the national response. Funding increased to almost €80m under Budget 2026 to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of Zero Tolerance. This represents an increase of €12m year on year.
Significant legislative reform has been progressed, including the Sex Offenders Amendment Act 2023, which strengthens the robust management and monitoring of offenders in place. The Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 provides enhanced protections for victims of sexual violence during investigations and court proceedings.
As the Deputy will be aware, I secured Government approval at the end of last year to publish the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 which includes measures to criminalise the exploitative practice of seeking sex in lieu of rent, and to restrict the disclosure of counselling records in sexual offence trials.
It is recognised that women and girls are disproportionately affected by DSGBV. Research from the European Institute for Gender Equality indicated that one in three women in the EU has experienced physical or sexual violence, yet only a small proportion report these incidents to the authorities. To improve understanding, Ireland will participate in a Europe wide survey of the prevalence of DSGBV in 2027, providing a more comprehensive perspective.
An Garda Síochána continues to improve responses in this area. There are now specially trained officers in every Garda Division to engage with, and support, victims of domestic and sexual violence.
I continue to build on the reforms implemented under Supporting a Victim’s Journey, a detailed action plan to ensure a victim-centred approach to the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences. A fourth national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will be developed later in the year, which will both entrench and expand upon the progress achieved under the Zero Tolerance strategy. These initiatives reflect the Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting survivors, improving outcomes and addressing DSGBV through evidence-based policy and practice.
