Dear Flatcap,Flatcap_Julius wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 1:36 amDo not give up, DK. There is every chance that you are super close to hearing some good news. The issue is that you don't know it yet! It's that Wall of Silence that is the real killer and this must be difficult bear, having gone past the 2 year mark. One thing to bear in mind is that FBR processing is purportedly a complex process that even before COVID an application typically took 12-18 months to process. When COVID is taken into consideration, the delay remains plausible, although it is strange that others have had news despite having submitted their applications later - but then from the postings on this forum it is fairly plain to see that the DFA's "strict date order" needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. Some pieces of information on the DFA website are, by their own admission, somewhat incongruous with the actual state of affairs. With this in mind I would advise a strategic approach that goes something like this:
1) Set a "cut-off date" in your calendar. Something around 10th November would probably be about right, as by then your application will be seriously overdue and out of line with any reasonable expectation (although what is or is not reasonable is largely subject to interpretation), even taking COVID into consideration. The probability is that you will hear some good news before this date, however if you don't...
2) Contact the DFA via live chat or telephone and ask them for an update. Encapsulate the timescale discrepancy in your opening gambit, making it part of the very first thing you tell them, so that they can see that you have a valid point and are not just being hysterical like I was being at one point. Make sure to keep recordings / transcripts of all communications. See what they say. If they say they will look into it, get them to state a specific date or time frame by which you will have an update. If they don't get back to you within the stated time this will strengthen your case for if and when you have do the further steps...
3) Once all the initial general lines of communication have been exhausted I would suggest making a Freedom of Information request requiring them to state what documents they hold on your specific application and what stage your application is at.
4) You can raise a formal complaint. I believe this needs to be done in writing via a letter to Ireland, rather than email.
5) Ultimately you could write to Mr Michael D. Higgins, the President of Ireland. He officially resides in Ireland's version of the White House which is located in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Mr HIggins is an older gentleman - I believe around 80 years of age, and although his role is largely to act as a figurehead in a ceremonial capacity, he does technically have a lot of authority, however you would have to have been treated extremely unfairly by the DFA to warrant a letter to him. Provided you are considered, clear, correct, complete, concise and courteous in your communications with the DFA there is no reason for anything to go wrong. Remember, if it took up to 18 months before COVID it could very well take up to 27 - 30 months in total. With this in mind is is vital to proceed cautiously and gently through the process you decide on. The main purpose of it really is to give you something to do to lessen the sense of despair. Above all what you must NOT do is withdraw your application. The DFA could accede to any such request as it would be an easy way for them to knock one application out of the pile. Don't do it when you are so close! The DFA are claiming they have plans to ramp up capacity to pre-COVID levels by the end of this year. The guy I spoke to in Dublin also mentioned something about training sessions which I would guess is something to do with this. Above all hang on in there and keep your can of Guinness handy!
All the best to you!
Regards,
Flatcap
I am so grateful for your very kind reply and the encouragement within:=)
I was feeling really hopeful when a few others in the same boat got approved but then…nothing.
My next step is to chat/call DFA as soon as they reopen, maybe end of this month. I’ve already tried Passport chat but they were totally unhelpful.
It is the Wall of Silence that makes the waiting so frustrating- you’re absolutely right about that!
Depending on the information we get from the chat we will determine our next move.
It is possible that our FBR is just not going to happen. However,
I will keep your reply and use your suggestions as needed as they are all good ones.
Above all, I am thankful for people like you who reach out a helping hand. The world needs many more Flatcaps-)
The Guinness is getting old…hopefully it doesn’t go completely off by the time we resolve this-lol.
All the best to you,
DK
, it’s used as an excuse for everything these days. Was it IOM you contacted before as they have been really helpful to a lot of people in the same situation as you. Worth dropping them an email as they’re very fast at replying. You got the 10 year card because you registered as resident before end December whereas I didn’t so I have to make do with 5 years but I know a lot of areas in Italy have been doing the same thing and IOM had to get involved to change it and they had their cards replaced. The paperwork is a nightmare here too and at my questura appointment they wouldn’t allow my husband to come in with me (again because of Covid) so I had to do the whole interview process in my dodgy Italian. I didn’t have to do any online application so that must be a French thing but that is an unbelievable amount of time you have waited so I would chase it up. 
manage their appointments, so I know I’ll be ok if I have to go on my own. 
