Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
531. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he plans to reintroduce or extend the travel and employers notices regarding renewal IRP applications; and if delays remain in the system. [68065/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Registration Office of my Department continues to experience exceptionally high demand for both first-time registration appointments and immigration permission renewal applications.
I understand that waiting times can be frustrating for applicants, and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is making every effort to facilitate as many applicants as possible and to increase processing capacity. Additional staff have been assigned to this work, resulting in a reduction in processing times for renewal applications.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, for certain categories of renewals, processing times are now approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the date of application, with no category currently exceeding a waiting time of 9 weeks.
The Registration Office publishes a live application processing date for each stamp category, 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/.
As processing times have decreased significantly, there are currently no plans to introduce a further travel notice for customers.
I can advise the Deputy that the notice to employers published on my Department's website remains in force and is available at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/notice-to-employers/.
Where an employee's Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card has expired, and the person holds either a valid, in-date employment permit or a permission that does not require an employment permit, but is unable to obtain a renewed registration card before the expiry of their current IRP card, they may continue to reside in the State under the existing conditions of their current permission for a maximum period of 12 weeks.
This 12-week provision is subject to the employee having submitted an application to renew their registration, including where a change of stamp category is involved, before the expiry of their current IRP card. The applicant must also provide evidence of that application and have uploaded all required documentation, including a valid employment permit where applicable.
Applicants can check the status of their immigration application through the Immigration Service Customer Service Portal. They may register for an account, or log in to an existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
