I am taking this question on behalf of Deputy Colm Burke. I would like extend my sympathies to Deputy Burke on the recent death of his mother-in-law. Our thoughts are with him and his wife Mary at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I wish to ask the Minister about his views on the ongoing delay in processing immigration permission renewal applications in view of the fact that at present only applications received from early December 2025 are being processed, the action his Department is taking to reduce the current processing timeline and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Sentiment score: -0.01
I thank the Minister of State for his ongoing work in this space. It is very important to see that we are increasing capacity here in terms of renewal of applications. It is good to see the office is open seven days a week and people are working overtime to address the backlog. It is hugely frustrating for people who have applied and are waiting for an answer on this. I do take the point though in terms of seeking applications 12 weeks in advance. That is something we need to get out there a lot more, giving applicants and employers that assurance that they can submit renewal applications up to 12 weeks in advance. It is encouraging that the Minister of State will to continue to work with his officials to see whether they can reduce the timeframe associated with this. We all collectively want to see these applications processed within a four to six-week period, if at all possible. I encourage the Minister of State to continue his work in that regard.
Sentiment score: 0.26
The Minister of State's comments of the extension of the IRP card are very welcome - up to 12 weeks after the expiry date. Is it the Minister of State's intention to reduce processing time to four to six weeks? If so, is there a timeframe in which he would like to see that happen over the next number of months and years? It is good to see it brought up in the House today because it is of concern to many people.
Sentiment score: 0.34
I am taking this parliamentary question on behalf of Deputy Colm Burke. I sympathise with Colm on the recent loss of his mother-in-law. I also sympathise with his wife, Mary, and the McCaffrey and Burke families. Our sympathies go out to them at this difficult time. What progress has been made to date on the implementation of the national women in agriculture action plan? When is it expected that the detailed progress report will be published? Will he make a statement on the matter?
Sentiment score: 0.02
I thank the Minister for his continued engagement on this matter. I welcome the continued implementation of the national women in agriculture action plan. It plays a vital role in supporting, recognising and empowering women right across the agricultural sector. Women have always played a central role in Irish agriculture, both on and off the farm, yet their contribution has not always received the recognition that it deserves. The national women in agriculture action plan is an important step in addressing that imbalance. I welcome the fact that the Minister has said that a working group has nearly completed its work. Will the Minister delve further into this and see when the next steps in the plan will be undertaken?
Sentiment score: 0.41
The plan is about much more than recognition. It is about creating real opportunities, from improving access to education and leadership roles to supporting female entrepreneurship and ensuring a stronger voice in decision-making. This initiative is key to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for women in rural Ireland. Encouraging greater participation by women in agriculture will strengthen farm families, rural communities and the wider agrifood sector. It is essential that we continue to support and fully implement the actions set out in this plan so that the next generation of women in farming can thrive right into the future. I welcome the Minister's commitment.
Sentiment score: 0.47