Parliamentary Questions

226. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current processing times of visa applications for each type of visa; the number of visa applications for each type of visa, that are not being processed in the target time, from the years 2011 to 2015 and to date in 2016; the number of staff allocated for the processing of visa applications, in the years 2011 to 2015 and to date in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8407/16]

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that information on visa applications currently being processed in the Dublin Visa Office is published weekly on the INIS website at http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Current_Processing_Times
The Dublin Visa Office processes applications that have been referred by Irish Missions to Dublin for decision or have been submitted directly by applicants.
Visa applications received in overseas offices and Irish missions abroad are typically processed within two to three weeks (often less for non-complicated applications). Information on applications under consideration is published on the websites of the relevant embassies.
In general, the Deputy may wish to note that the dates published are for information purposes only. While every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume of applications, their complexity, the possible need for the Visa Office to seek further information in relation to certain applications, and the resources available.
INIS do not maintain annual data on visa applications not processed to conclusion within the published business targets. However, it should be noted that target times for the processing of visas are established as a business target and do not constitute a legal obligation. These business targets reflect the detailed assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications.
The number of staff allocated for dedicated visa processing is set out in the table below:

Visa Office	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016
Dublin	13	11	11	11	9	10
Abu Dhabi	4	4	4	4	4	4
Abuja	4	4	4	4	4	4
Ankara	not applicable	not applicable	1	3	3	3
Beijing	3	3	3	3	3	3
London	5	5	5	5	5	5
Moscow	3	3	3	4	4	4
New Delhi	4	4	4	4	4	4

The figures for the Dublin Office relate only to the number of staff in the visa processing unit, and is supplemented by the temporary reassignment of staff from the rest of the organisation as well as overtime at peak periods. In addition, the overseas offices also utilise local staff to assist in administrative tasks associated with the receipt of visa applications. Such staff are not included in the table.
In addition staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also process visa applications in certain circumstances in Irish missions abroad under delegated sanction. The number of staff allocated to visa processing by that Department is not available to me.