Erin McGreehan
Ceist:781. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in County Louth in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [2268/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (781)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. An Garda Síochána's budget allocation is over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I look forward to engaging regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
As the Deputy is aware, Louth Division has merged with Cavan/Monaghan Division under the Garda Operating Model. I am informed that there were 718 Garda members assigned to Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division at the end of 2024.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station up to the end of 2024, including a breakdown of the number of Gardaí in County Louth in the years requested, is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/#
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (782)
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:782. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice the number of full- and part-time Garda stations in County Louth. [2269/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes the management of the Garda Estate. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. An Garda Síochána's budget allocation is over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are a total of 13 Garda Stations in County Louth. Two Garda Stations are open to the public 24 hours a day in County Louth, and the remaining 11 stations are open to the public on a part-time basis.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the opening hours of individual Garda Stations is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/contact-us/station-directory/
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (783, 784)
Pa Daly
Ceist:783. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the current number of Garda reserves; how many of these are waiting to be trained; the average wait time between when they are recruited and when they begin training; the average wait time between when they are recruited and when they complete training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2275/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:784. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the measures he will take to increase Garda reserve intake beyond the current intake annually; the annual planned increase, as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2276/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 783 and 784 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner is also responsible for the Garda Reserve under the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2024. As Minister, I have no role in the recruitment or training process for the Reserve.
Garda Reserves bring a variety of experiences and perspectives to An Garda Síochána, including local knowledge and links to the communities in which they serve, which brings to life An Garda Síochána’s core value of community policing.
The most recent Garda Reserve recruitment campaign closed on 4 July 2024. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the competition attracted around 1,800 initial applications. The first names of candidates successful at interview were provided by publicjobs to An Garda Síochána in August 2024. All successful candidates are progressing through the vetting and medical stages. As these processes are completed, training will commence.
As of the end of 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 319 Garda Reserves nationwide.
As the Deputy may be aware, in the interest of transparency, information in relation to the breakdown of Garda Reserve nationally, is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Question No. 784 answered with Question No. 783.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (785)
Pa Daly
Ceist:785. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the commitment to increase the Garda training allowance; how much this increase will be; what it will be benchmarked against; and the expected timeline for delivery. [2277/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.48bn in Budget 2025.
This funding will support the recruitment of new Garda members, Garda staff and Garda Reserves, and reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting all parts of the organisation.
The Government is taking a number of steps to accelerate recruitment into An Garda Síochána.
A new Garda recruitment campaign opens this week and I encourage anyone who believes they can make a positive contribution as a Garda to consider applying.
Legislative changes to the Admissions and Appointments Regulations in late 2023 mean that candidates up to the age of 50 can now apply to the Garda Trainee Recruitment Campaign.
The Garda Trainee allowance increased from €305 to €354 per week with effect from 1 October 2024 and has increased by a total of €170 per week when compared with 2023.
Insofar as further increases to the allowance are concerned, these will be considered in the context of the Estimates process.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (786)
Pa Daly
Ceist:786. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice further to the commitment in the Programme for Government to increased commitment at Templemore, what new measures will be taken to increase capacity; the current capacity; what he expects it to increase to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including to invest in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána, in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
A group was established last year to review Garda Trainee recruitment and training capacity and is chaired at Deputy Secretary General level by my Department. The matters raised by the Deputy are being considered as part of that process. As such, a detailed estimate of potential costs associated with expanding the current capacity to provide training for Garda Trainees is not available at this time.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the priorities in the Programme for Government have been agreed by the new Government and I look forward to delivering on the Justice agenda contained within the Programme.
Work to progress these commitments has commenced, however the Deputy will appreciate that timelines or operational details on proposals are not yet available until work programmes are agreed.
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (787)
Pa Daly
Ceist:787. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of refuge spaces in the years 2019 to date; the number of refuge spaces per county in the years 2019 to date; the number of refuge-space closures in the corresponding timeframe, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2282/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
One of the overarching goals of Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV, published in June 2022, is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and the Strategy included a commitment to doubling the number of refuge units across the country. This represents the fastest ever expansion of refuge accommodation in this country.To accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year, Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency, was established in 2024. Cuan is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency, to put in place the necessary structures and supports for organisations to further develop refuge accommodation.
In 2025, Cuan expects 22 new units to be delivered in Dublin and Louth, with a further 49 units due to be under construction or due for refurbishment in 2025. This is in addition to the 12 new units delivered in 2024, including the state-of-the-art new refuge in Wexford. This will bring the total amount of new units delivered and under construction to 230 by the end of 2025. This is from a starting point of 140 at the outset of the strategy.
Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Strategy and has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges. As this question relates to work being carried out by Cuan and data held by Cuan, I have referred it to the agency for direct response.
Drug Dealing
Ceisteanna (788)
Pa Daly
Ceist:788. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if he will report on the Programme for Government and the commitment to explore the possibility of requiring social media companies and online communication platforms to provide An Garda Síochána with information they have on their platforms relating to the supply of illegal drugs; the measures that will be taken to explore same; the timeline for a conclusion to be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2283/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and is deeply aware of the impact that serious crime, including drug related crime, can have on communities.
The Government’s approach to the misuse of drugs is set out in Ireland’s National Drug Strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’.
This is a health-led approach to drug and alcohol use in Ireland, and it represents a whole-of-Government response to reduce demand and associated harms. The Government is also committed to limiting access to illegal drugs to the greatest extent possible.
I am fully committed to helping to significantly reduce the harms of illicit drug use by tackling organised crime, minimising the harms caused to those with addiction issues, and diverting people from involvement in crime and illicit drug related activity.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the priorities in the Programme for Government have been agreed by the new Government and I look forward to delivering on the Justice agenda contained within the Programme.
Work to progress these commitments has commenced, however, the Deputy will appreciate that timelines or operational details on policy proposals are not yet available until work programmes are agreed.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (789)
Pa Daly
Ceist:789. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the measures he will take to expand prison capacity such as alternatives to prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2285/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware there has been much work done to date to enhance the prison infrastructure, provide additional capacity, and explore alternatives to prison. The Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future – commits to continued action in this area.
The Government will continue to invest in the prison estate, to ensure that it is modern, fit-for-purpose and has the capacity to accommodate those committed to prison. In recent years, capacity across the prison estate has been increased by more than 200 spaces through the reopening of the Training Unit in Mountjoy, the opening of new male accommodation in Limerick and the new standalone female prison in Limerick.
The IPS had a number of capital projects underway in 2024 to deliver over 150 new spaces. By end-2024, the majority of these had finished construction and are starting to come into full operational use. Further spaces will be delivered in 2025 as part of an overall plan out to 2030 to deliver over 1,100 spaces.
The IPS has been allocated €525m for 2025, an increase in funding of €79m (18%) compared to 2024. The Irish Prison Service capital budget stands at €53m in 2025, which is an increase of €22.5m on the original allocation for 2024.
The Irish Prison Service aims to recruit 300 recruit prison officers in 2025, in addition to the 271 Prison Officers recruited in 2024, while an additional €6.2 million has been provided to fund 130,000 additional staff hours in our prisons.
The Irish Prison Service must accommodate everyone committed to prison by the Courts and has no control over numbers committed. Where the number of people in custody exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, the Irish Prison Service make every effort to deal with this through a combination of inter-prison transfers and appropriate use of structured temporary release. Short-term measures like inter-prison transfers and temporary release are used in prison systems across the world to manage prison populations and have long been a feature of the Irish Prison Service activities. Decisions in relation to temporary release are considered on a case-by-case basis and the safety of the public is paramount in those decisions.
A Prison Overcrowding Response Group was established in July 2023, composed of officials from the Department of Justice and representatives from relevant agencies, to consider measures to address capacity issues in the prison estate. In June 2024, on foot of a report from this Group a range of actions were agreed and work to implement these is ongoing.
These actions include developing new, innovative responses to deliver structured temporary release for suitable prisoners, progressing actions to increase the use of community service as a priority, and advancing legislative changes to support the delivery of community-based sanctions more generally.
A Working Group was established in the second half of 2024 to further consider future prison capacity needs and to make recommendations on the numbers and types of prison capacity needed out to 2035. The work of this Group will support and inform future developments regarding prison capacity.
Sentencing Policy
Ceisteanna (790)
Pa Daly
Ceist:790. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has been given to the formation of a special, expert committee to consult on the delivery of sentencing guidelines for a particular crime area within a certain timeframe; if any additional measures will be taken on sentencing together with the measures outlined in the draft Programme for Government sentencing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2287/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Judicial Council Act 2019 provided for the establishment of an independent Judicial Council, and, within that body, a Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee. The Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee (SGIC) was established on 30 June 2020. Its functions include the preparation of draft sentencing guidelines and the monitoring of the operation of those guidelines, together with the collation of information on sentences imposed by the courts and the dissemination of that information to judges and others.
Under section 6 of the Judicial Council Act, the Judicial Council is independent in the exercise of its functions, and as Minister, I have no role in relation to the operation of the Judicial Council or its Committees.
I am advised that the Committee intends to produce guidelines for specific offences and classes of offences, as is contemplated by section 91(1) of the Judicial Council Act 2019. Two areas were identified as important, both by serving judges and by the members of the Committee, and these have been prioritised. Those areas consist of offences of domestic violence/violence in the context of a relationship and fatal driving offences.
In respect of progress on the set of guidelines for offences of domestic violence/violence in the context of a relationship, the Judicial Council, in order to inform this work, engaged Southeastern Technological University to carry out a research project with judges in the District Court. The final draft of that report was published in December 2024 and the Committee has accepted its key recommendations relating to the sentencing of relationship violence in the District Court.
I am further advised that the Committee intends to proceed to the next phase of Guideline development, which will involve consultation with stakeholder organisations and experts, after which the Committee will proceed to provide draft guidelines to the board of the Judicial Council under section 23(b) of the Act.
It is expected that the Committee will be in a position to produce draft guidelines on fatal driving offences relatively shortly after the production and submission of the guidelines on domestic violence/violence in a relationship. Thereafter, it is proposed to produce further guidelines dealing with other offences on a regular basis.
In addition, the proposed Life Sentences Bill will allow judges to recommend a minimum period to be served in custody before a person is released on parole, reflecting the circumstances of the case. The Government approved the drafting this Bill last July and work is underway to progress it.
Sentencing Policy
Ceisteanna (791, 842)
Pa Daly
Ceist:791. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice regarding the commitment to examine the introduction of a specific offence to assaulting a retail worker, whether this proposal has been modelled after best practice in other countries; when he expects this conclusion will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2317/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
James Geoghegan
Ceist:842. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider introducing a specific offence for assaulting a retail worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3467/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 791 and 842 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the priorities in the Programme for Government have been agreed by the new Government and I look forward to delivering on the Justice agenda contained within the Programme.
The development of legislation is a complex task which requires consideration of all the potential implications of any change to the law.
Work to progress these commitments has commenced, however, the Deputy will appreciate that timelines or operational details on policy proposals are not yet available until work programmes are agreed.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (792)
Pa Daly
Ceist:792. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice regarding the commitment to tackle retail defamation in the Programme for Government, to outline how retail defamation is understood and defined under this proposal; the measures he is planning to implement to tackle this type of crime; the timeline for delivery; the projected output of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2318/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 was published last August and completed Second Stage in September. This Bill introduces a new statutory defence in cases of so-called ‘retail defamation’.
Section 8 of the Bill provides that it will be a defence to defamation to prove that an allegedly defamatory statement consisted only of an inquiry as to whether a person had paid for goods or services, or had proof of such payment. The defence also applies if the allegedly defamatory statement is that the form of payment tendered is not capable of being accepted (for example, an apparently forged note, or a blocked credit card).
This aims to respond to the concerns of retailers in a manner which seeks to balance the rights of consumers and retailers by providing that the defence will not apply if the person making the statement cannot demonstrate that they had a genuine interest in making it, or if that person publishes the statement unnecessarily widely.
The Programme for Government commits to tackling retail defamation as part of a broader suite of measures to deal with retail crime. I can advise the Deputy that the Defamation Bill has been restored to the order paper and the progression of the Bill is being dealt with as a matter of priority by my Department.
Once enacted, the provisions of the Bill dealing with ‘retail defamation’ will provide for a balancing of the rights of retailers and consumers, promote good practice among retailers and allow retailers to deal effectively with unwarranted claims.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (793)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:793. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made regarding an application to the immigrant investor programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2334/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset, it is important to note that, as Minister, I do not comment on individual Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) applications.
Since the closure of the programme, the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) Unit has continued to process and submit applications to the Evaluation Committee for consideration and recommendation. At present, there are approximately 100 Immigrant Investor Programme project proposals undergoing, or awaiting, such consideration.
My Department’s IIP Unit is committed to ensuring that all applications will be examined on their own merits and will endeavour to conclude all decisions in a timely manner.
The IIP Unit of my Department communicates with projects seeking to benefit from investments made in connection with an IIP application in relation to how the terms of the programme apply to their particular project. The Unit also engages with projects and monitors them for their compliance with the IIP requirements.
I can advise you that further details concerning the processing of outstanding IIP applications is published on the Immigration Service Delivery website of my Department, including an FAQ document. Both can be accessed at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/processing-of-iip-applications-on-hand-following-the-closure-of-the-programme/
Probate Applications
Ceisteanna (794)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:794. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice for an update from the Courts Service on the progress of the e-probate project under the Courts Modernisation Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2347/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Justice, I have no role in the exercise of Probate functions.
The Probate Office is an office of the High Court. Management of the courts is the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices.
The Probate General Office and Rules Office in Dublin is open to the legal profession and the general public every morning, Monday to Friday, to facilitate general enquiries, filing of court applications, Probate Officer Orders and caveats.
Last July, the Report of the Expert Group on Conveyancing and Probate was approved and published by Government. This Group was established in December 2023, to carry out a review of current conveyancing and probate processes. The Group made recommendations on changes to both processes, to make them more efficient and streamlined. An Implementation Group was also established to ensure oversight and delivery and its first meeting took place on 23 September 2024.
I am happy to report that great progress has been made to reduce probate processing times. The average time (nationwide) for probate applications to complete is down from 22 weeks at the start of 2024 to 11 weeks at year end, with Dublin seeing a drop from 25 weeks to 7 weeks over the same period.
Furthermore, I am informed that the eProbate project referred to by the Deputy is well underway. This project seeks to digitally transform back-office probate operations, to provide an online portal supporting the digital submission of applications, and to improve the provision of probate information online via the courts.ie website.
A new plain language information site was launched on courts.ie to help applicants and solicitors in navigate the probate process. The new site has seen a 38% increase in traffic since it was launched in 2024.
The eProbate project will deploy of a modern back office-system in the regional probate registries in the coming months. This will be quickly followed by a public launch of an online facility to submit and track applications for probate over the course of the summer.
The public facing portal will act as a single point of contact for users to submit and track their applications through the entire process. The electronic submission of applications through the online portal, combined with automated validation of key information at submission time will enable faster and more efficient processing of applications, with the aim of reducing processing times.
Appointments to State Boards
Ceisteanna (795)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:795. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Ballymun Implementation Board which was announced in February 2024; whether there have been any changes to its membership since September 2024; the number of meetings of the board held since September 2024, including the dates of these meetings; whether the board’s agenda and programme of work has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2371/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February 2024, my predecessor Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, announced the establishment of the Ballymun Implementation Board.
The initial Board meeting was held on 31 July 2024. Subsequent board meetings have been held on 25 September 2024, 27 November 2024 and 29 January 2025.
The Board is being hosted by Dublin City Council, and includes representatives from the following agencies/organisations: Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, Tusla, HSE, City of Dublin Education and Training Board, City of Dublin Youth Services, St Joseph’s Senior National School, Department of Education, Young Ballymun, Dublin North West Area Partnership and the Probation Service.
In November 2024, two community representatives from the Ballymun Regional Youth Resource and Ballymun Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force were appointed to the Board.
The Board will look to tackle some of the deep-rooted issues which exist in the Ballymun area by bringing together the relevant social services providers and the Gardaí to work
together with the community and local business leaders in a collaborative and effective manner, focusing on the matters of concern identified by the local community itself.
The Board’s agenda and programme of work will be established following the completion of an asset mapping exercise which will identify the needs, challenges and any service gaps which need to be addressed in the local community.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (796)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:796. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice for an update on a visitor visa application for a person (details supplied). [2403/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on 31 August 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the New York office on 24 September 2024. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 04 October 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
The date published on the above page is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may prevent the published processing date from advancing.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
https://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.
Family Reunification
Ceisteanna (797)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:797. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if a family reunification application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [2404/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the visa applications referred to were created on 05 September 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 29 September 2023 where they await examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. In order to be fair to all individuals applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, including a strong desire to meet up with family or friends in Ireland, expediting an application is usually confined to time-sensitive instances e.g. where a family member has been hospitalised, in a life-threatening situation or in the unfortunate event of a bereavement.
The applicants will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
The date published on the above page is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may prevent the published processing date from advancing.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
https://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.
Family Reunification
Ceisteanna (798)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:798. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if a join family application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [2405/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to were created on 04 and 09 August 2024. Supporting documentation, for both applications, was received in the Hanoi office on 10 September 2024. Both applications were received in the Dublin Visa Office on 04 October 2024 where they await examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. In order to be fair to all individuals applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, including a strong desire to meet up with family or friends in Ireland, expediting an application is usually confined to time-sensitive instances e.g. where a family member has been hospitalised, in a life-threatening situation or in the unfortunate event of a bereavement.
The applicants will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
The date published on the above page is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may prevent the published processing date from advancing.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
https://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.
Citizenship Applications
Ceisteanna (799)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:799. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if the application will be expedited. [2406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy is near completion and a decision will be made shortly. Citizenship Division will contact the person directly once a decision has been reached on their application.
The person concerned can also now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre (DCC). They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: https://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.
Citizenship Applications
Ceisteanna (800)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:800. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if a citizenship application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited [2487/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I expect that going forward, the vast majority of applicants will continue to receive a decision within one year, however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, particularly considering the current processing times. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely out of the control of the Immigration Service.
Citizenship Division have also taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
The length of time taken to process an application has dropped from 15 months in 2023, to 8 months in 2024.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre (DCC). They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
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.