Vol. 483 No. 6
74 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason United States citizens who have taken up residence in Ireland are being expelled from the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21123/97]
The position is that no US nationals resident in Ireland have been deported this year. I should emphasise that applications for permission to reside or to remain in the State are considered on an individual basis, unrelated to the nationality of the individual, having regard to the reasons advanced for seeking such permission. Where it has been decided to refuse permission to remain, a person is notified in writing of that decision. That person is given the opportunity to leave the State voluntarily or to make submissions as to why he or she should not be required to leave the State.
Any submission received is considered and the question of deportation only arises if the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions, deems it conducive to the public good.
