Vol. 515 No. 3
294 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is any constraint in principle on the issue of a 30-day or a 90-day holiday visa to a Russian national who wishes to visit this country, assuming the provision of satisfactory evidence of financial status and intention to return to Russia on expiry of the visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6140/00]
There is no constraint, in principle, on a Russian national being granted an Irish visit visa, which can be valid for up to 90 days. The visa application form is accompanied by an information note which sets out the supporting documentation required. Assuming all the information has been provided, the application will then be assessed having regard to such factors as the applicant's family ties and general circumstances in their country of origin, their immigration history as well as the relative attractiveness and feasibility of their remaining longer than the period of time applied for or otherwise breaching the conditions of the visit visa. In the event that an application is unsuccessful, the applicant can obtain a written statement from the Department of the grounds for refusal and appeal the decision to the visa appeals officer.
