I propose to take Questions Nos. 953 and 955 together.
I can advise the Deputy that requests to expedite an application or for an emergency visa can be made through my Department's Customer Service Portal, which can be accessed at the following link: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
Expediting a visa application is usually confined to time-sensitive instances, such as, if a family member has been hospitalised, in a life-threatening situation, or in the unfortunate event of a bereavement. Each request is considered on its merits; the person concerned should also engage with the relevant Embassy of Ireland, explaining the nature of the emergency and provide any documentary evidence that may be available to them. A full list of Irish embassies is available at the following link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/embassies/.
Emergency visa applications and requests will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis but will, wherever possible, be processed speedily and sympathetically. In order to be fair to all those who have applied, not all requests to expedite an application can be granted.
My Department is not currently aware of any issues with the Customer Service Portal that would affect an applicant’s ability to submit documentation through the portal. Should any issues arise or be identified, the Department seeks to address and resolve them as a matter of priority in order to minimise any disruption to service.
I can advise the Deputy that the Join Family visa application referred to was created on 12 December 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Bangkok office on 23 December 2024. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 17 January 2025 where it will be processed.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months; these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
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, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland.
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.
