2447. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to address the growing backlog in the processing of Irish Residence Permit (IRP) renewal applications, which has resulted in waiting times of approximately 18 weeks for Stamp 4 renewal applications, as well as significant delays for other categories of residence permits, with an estimated backlog of 65,000 applications; the measures, other than issuing interim notices, he will introduce to ensure that all legally resident migrant workers are not left without valid proof of residence and employment authorisation due to administrative delays; his views on the consequent risk of job losses, delayed mortgage approvals and failed property purchases for applicants who have paid the statutory €300 renewal fee but did not receive their IRP on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59233/26]

2152. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe in which his Department is obliged to process the renewal of a residency permit; his Departments targeted timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55034/26]

2162. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of renewal applications for Stamp 4 submitted within the recommended 16-week lead time are yet to be processed. [55112/26]

2400. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of outstanding IRP applications on 20 July 2026; the additional resources being allocated to clear the backlog; when he expects the backlog to be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58465/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2447, 2152, 2162 and 2400 together.

The Registration Office of my Department continues to experience an exceptionally high demand for first time registration appointments and immigration permission renewal applications.

I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is utilising every avenue available to facilitate as many applicants as quickly as possible and to increase processing capacity.

The Registration Office is open seven days a week to facilitate customers to process both first time registration appointments and online renewals, with significant additional staff assigned to this work. This is having an impact and wait times are reducing, and I expect times to reduce further over the summer months.

In the meantime, I can advise the Deputy that I recently published an updated interim employer notice and a notice to facilitate customers travelling during the summer months to alleviate pressure on applicants while the Department continues to reduce the wait times.

Where an employee’s Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card has expired and they are unable to obtain a new one by the expiry date of their current IRP card, they are still permitted to work and to remain in the State until 31 August 2026. This applies to all expired IRP cards regardless of the number of weeks elapsed, but is subject to the applicant submitting their renewal application prior to their current IRP card expiring. Further information on this notice can be found at the following www.irishimmigration.ie/minster-announces-interim-notice-to-employers-regarding-renewal-of-registration/

It is important to note that the existing www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/notice-to-employers/.will continue to apply after 31 August 2026.

Furthermore, the previous travel arrangements made for people awaiting a renewal of their IRP card who intend to travel has been reinstated until 31 August 2026. People may use their recently expired IRP card to travel until the end of August 2026, provided an application to renew their registration permission was submitted in advance of the expiry date of their IRP Card. Further information can be found on the ISD website at the following www.irishimmigration.ie/minster-announces-interim-notice-to-employers-regarding-renewal-of-registration/.

While the Registration Office endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible, processing times for each stamp category may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and peak application periods. The objective is to reducing the timelines across all categories to more sustainable levels.

The Registration Office provide a live application processing date broken down by 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/.

Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.

It is also open to any person to request to have their renewal application expedited due to extenuating circumstances, and they can do so by contacting the Registration team of the Department via the Customer Service Portal. They will need to explain their circumstances and the urgent need to travel. All such requests are considered on a case by case basis.

I can advise that as of 27 July 2026, there are approximately 59,000 renewal applications awaiting examination.

The information requested on the number of Stamp 4 renewal applications submitted within 16 weeks that are yet to be processed is not readily available.