Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
776. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason online renewals were allowed to continue for two years without basic verification measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4452/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra777. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of renewal applications that were refused due to fraudulent documentation in 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4453/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 776 and 777 together.
I can assure the Deputy that there is and always has been robust verification measures in place for online registration renewals.
All nationwide applications for renewal of immigration permissions are submitted using the ISD online renewal portal. Based on an applicants immigration stamp type, they are required to supply a comprehensive list of documentation, as well as pay a €300 registration fee in most cases.
Further information on the renewal process as well as the list of documents required for each stamp type are available on the ISD website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/
I can assure the Deputy that all documents submitted are checked and validated by officials in my Department for each online renewal application. If there are concerns regarding a renewal application, officials may arrange for an in-person renewal to assess original copies of documents before completing the application.
Information regarding the refusal reason for a person's online renewal is recorded on each individual file. To desegregate this data in the manner requested by the Deputy would require the manual examination of thousands of records. Such an examination would require a disproportionate amount of time to compile and would deflect resources from processing the very significant annual number of applications for immigration permission renewals.
If ISD become aware that someone has presented fraudulent documentation relating to their online renewal, then ISD will investigate each individual case accordingly.
Insofar as the question of arrangements for extensions of permissions to remain during the pandemic period are concerned, health and infection control requirements gave rise to restrictions on international travel and significant constraints in relation to in-person provision of services. To address the practical issues that this gave rise to for both individuals and the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department extensions to the validity periods of existing immigration permissions were made during this period. These formed part of a range of exceptional measures put in place across private and public services during that time and concluded in 2022.
