Vol. 537 No. 1
189 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has refused visas for entry here for people who have received work permits from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; if so, the numbers refused; the county of origin of applicants; and the reasons for refusal. [15422/01]
Irish embassies and consulates have the authority to issue the holder of a valid work permit with a visa if one is required of that person's nationality. Although precise statistics are not available, it is extremely unusual for a visa to be refused to a person who holds a valid work permit and this would usually only occur following referral to my Department. The main reasons a visa might be refused in such circum stances would be if the person was the subject of a deportation order, if their presence in the State would not be in the public interest or if, following consideration of all relevant factors, it was concluded that their true purpose for travelling to the State differed from their stated intentions.
190 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin to allow his daughter to remain here until August 2001, when he will be able to accompany her to her country of origin. [15423/01]
Notwithstanding the fact that it was made clear to the applicant that the original visa was granted solely for the purpose of a short visit, I have decided to approve an extension of the visa as an exceptional measure.
