358 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service Oireachtas mail system is once again operating normally now that the industrial action has halted; if he will confirm when outstanding queries will be answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27875/10]

379 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if representations made by Members of the Oireachtas to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service on behalf of members of the public are being responded to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28191/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 379 together.

I can inform the Deputies that following suspension of the limited industrial action by the Civil Public & Services Union, operation of the Oireachtas Mail system for the processing of representations in respect of clients of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, (INIS) has resumed. While a significant backlog of requests has built up, every effort is being made to clear these as soon as possible. In addition, it is planned that new requests will be dealt with by INIS within the timeframes previously agreed.