Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 1

Written Answers. - Visa Applications.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

222 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will sanction a visit to this country from a person (details supplied) in order that he can visit his father, who has refugee status and has been diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol and angina. [3764/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The visa application in question was refused because it had not been established, on the basis of the documentation supplied and following a meeting between Department officials and the applicant's referees in Ireland, that the applicant would observe the conditions of a visit visa. If the applicant or the Deputy have additional information which would address my Department's concerns, the matter can of course be considered further.

The adult child – as this applicant is – of a recognised refugee does not qualify under the family reunification criteria set out in section 18 of the Refugee Act, 1996, – these are the criteria used by my Department as a guideline, pending the commencement of this section of the Act – unless that child is dependent on the refugee or is suffering from a mental or physical disability to such an extent that it is not reasonable for the child to maintain himself fully.