Síle de Valera
Question:54 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Justice the manner in which members of the former Soviet Union can quickly gain visas to further trade links between Ireland and this new market opportunity. [8399/95]
Written Answers. - Irish-Soviet Union Trade Links.
David Andrews
Question:73 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Justice the way in which members of the former Soviet Union can quickly gain visas to further trade links between Ireland and this new market opportunity. [8469/95]
I propose to take Question Nos. 54 and 73 together.
Visa applications are generally made to an Irish Embassy or Consulate in the country where the applicant lives. With regard to applicants from the newly independent states which were formerly part of the Soviet Union, who are now in countries where Ireland does not have diplomatic or consular representation, the position is that such applicants may apply directly to the Department of Foreign Affairs here in Dublin for the appropriate entry visa. Letters in lieu of visa stickers are issued to applicants who apply in this way to facilitate their travel to Ireland. These applicants must call to the Department of Foreign Affairs within three days of arrival to get the visa stickers placed on their passports.
This process can be time-consuming and can give rise to a considerable level of inconvenience for applicants. With a view to developing a more streamlined system to significantly reduce the time involved in the process, my Department is in communication with Aeroflot Development Ireland at Shannon in relation to an arrangement whereby that company would transmit visa applications from the newly independent states directly to my Department and thereby ease the problems which the absence of diplomatic or consular representation causes for visa applicants in these countries.
On a more general level I emphasise that no obstacles are put in the way of people who genuinely wish to visit the State to further trade links or for tourism purposes and that visa applications are processed quickly. Indeed, for such bona fide business people who come here on a regular basis, and for whom there is a visa requirement, multiple entry visas are available to reduce any delay or inconvenience which might arise from having to make multiple applications.
When doubts exist as to whether a particular application for a visa is a genuine one, the referee in Ireland, who is named by the applicant when applying, is usually consulted with a view to dispelling those doubts. If the doubts are dispelled, a visa will issue. If they are not, a decision is taken in the light of all of the circumstances surrounding the individual case. In the event of a negative decision the application can be reviewed if further information comes to light.