Key Changes and Benefits

The primary objective of this transition is to allow Gardaí to focus on more operational and enforcement aspects of their work, such as investigations and deportations. Minister McEntee highlighted that this shift is part of a broader strategy to modernise and improve the efficiency of Ireland’s immigration system.

Applicants whose visas are due to expire from 4 November onwards will no longer need to visit a Garda station for renewals. Instead, they can complete the process online via the ISD web portal. This online service, previously available only to residents of Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Meath, and Wicklow, is now accessible nationwide.

Investment in Digital Systems

As part of Budget 2025, an additional €25 million has been allocated to the immigration system, with €5 million specifically earmarked for investment in digital systems. This funding aims to modernise the current systems and ensure a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for applicants. The new centralised system will allow applicants to view all their engagements with immigration services on a single platform, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Background and Implementation

The move towards civilianisation was recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This recommendation is part of a broader effort to optimise the use of Garda resources and improve the overall efficiency of immigration services. The transition is expected to free up Gardaí to focus on critical tasks that require their expertise and training.

Minister McEntee expressed confidence that this change would significantly benefit both the applicants and the Gardaí. “This transfer of responsibility allows Gardaí to dedicate their time to more pressing operational duties, while applicants can enjoy a more streamlined and efficient renewal process,” she said.

How to Renew Your Visa

For those looking to renew their visas, the process is now more straightforward. Applicants can visit the ISD web portal to complete their renewals online. This change eliminates the need for in-person visits to Garda stations, making the process more convenient and accessible for everyone.

The Department of Justice has also implemented a centralised system to handle all immigration services. This system will provide a comprehensive view of all interactions with immigration services, ensuring that applicants have access to all necessary information in one place.

Additional Details

The civilianisation of immigration permission renewals is part of a broader effort to modernise Ireland’s immigration system. The Department of Justice has established a modernisation programme aimed at transforming its immigration services to make them faster, easier to access, and more efficient for all users. This programme includes replacing legacy immigration management systems with a new platform that offers a single view of an individual’s engagement with all aspects of immigration services.

The new platform is expected to significantly improve customer service capacity, offering comprehensive self-service functionality and enhanced border security capabilities. This modernisation effort is designed to provide a more customer-focused and efficient service, ensuring that applicants have a seamless experience when renewing their immigration permissions.

Minister McEntee emphasised the importance of this transition in the context of broader public service reforms. By civilianising administrative functions, the government aims to optimise the use of Garda resources, allowing them to focus on critical operational duties. This change is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of the immigration system, benefiting both the applicants and the Gardaí.

The Department of Justice has also introduced measures to ensure that the transition to the new system is smooth and efficient. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the online renewal process and utilise the resources available on the ISD web portal. The Department is committed to providing ongoing support and assistance to ensure that all applicants can navigate the new system with ease.

The recruitment freeze was introduced by the HSE in October last year. It was extended in November to include all categories of staff, with the exception of consultants, doctors in training and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives.

Bernard Gloster, the former Chief Executive of Tusla, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE). His appointment follows an open selection process and he is expected to bring his extensive experience in health services to the role. Gloster has over 30 years of experience in the health sector, having held several senior management positions, including Chief Officer of HSE Mid West Community Healthcare.

Gloster’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the HSE, which has been navigating significant challenges and changes. The HSE Board Chairperson, Ciarán Devane, expressed confidence in Gloster’s ability to lead the organization through this period of transformation. Devane highlighted Gloster’s track record and commitment to public service as invaluable assets for the HSE.

In his new role, Gloster will be responsible for overseeing the HSE’s operations and implementing health reforms aimed at improving service delivery and patient care. He has expressed his commitment to working with the HSE Board, colleagues, and partners across the health system to drive continuous improvement in how people access and experience health services.

One of the immediate challenges Gloster faces is addressing the HSE’s recruitment issues. The HSE had implemented a recruitment freeze in October last year, which was later extended to include all categories of staff except consultants, doctors in training, and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives. This freeze was introduced due to budget constraints and the need to manage the health service’s finances more effectively.

However, Gloster recently announced that the recruitment freeze will end tomorrow. This decision follows the government’s allocation of an additional €1.5 billion to the HSE to address its financial shortfall for this year. An extra €1.2 billion will also be provided next year to support existing service levels.

Gloster explained that the additional funding will help secure 4,000 previously unfunded posts, ensuring that the HSE can maintain and expand its workforce. Despite the recruitment freeze, the HSE managed to recruit more staff than those who left the service, demonstrating the organization’s resilience and commitment to meeting healthcare demands.

The end of the recruitment freeze is expected to have a positive impact on the HSE’s ability to deliver quality healthcare services. Gloster emphasized the importance of establishing a control environment to manage the additional funding effectively and ensure that the HSE operates within its budget. He also highlighted the need to reduce the dependency on agency staff, which has been a significant cost for the HSE in recent years.

As Gloster takes on his new role, the focus will be on driving health reforms, improving service delivery, and ensuring that the HSE can meet the healthcare needs of the population. His extensive experience and commitment to public service are expected to play a crucial role in navigating the challenges ahead and achieving the HSE’s goals.