A TD says that wait times for marriage of convenience interviews in the South West are too long.
Fine Gael deputy Colm Burke says that despite a HSE review revealing decreased wait times not enough progress has been made.
Previously couples have waited six to nine months and in certain cases even longer.
Marriage of convenience interviews are held when at least one half of the couple is from outside the EU in an effort to ensure the marriage is not taking place to enable one or both parties gain immigration status.
The HSE South West Civil Registration service recently completed a review of all open Marriage of Convenience cases in Kerry and Cork, and all cases that are ready to progress have been assigned appointments.
According to a spokesperson bookings for couples requiring a second interview have been open since early 2026 and the current waiting time is approximately six months in the South West.
In some cases appointments may take longer where additional documentation is required.
Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke believes that this is not enough.
He says that the wait time of six months in the South West is still too long, and that a mechanism must be put in place to make sure appointments are brought forward.
Deputy Burke added that the large number of people who live, work and pay tax in Ireland but were not born here are affected.
He says that a system is needed that takes care of everyone.
