Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 3

Written Answers. - Residency Permits.

Tony Gregory

Question:

412 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding persons (details supplied) who applied for residency and work permits; and if they will be free to return here if they return home for the Christmas holiday. [28476/01]

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

The persons in question arrived in the State on 31 May 2001 and were permitted to enter under visitor conditions until 8 July 2001. They failed to leave the State within the requisite period but instead applied for permission to remain as the parents of an Irish born child, born shortly after their arrival. This application, which was received in September 2001 is currently being processed. Thus, the persons in question are not legally resident in the State at present. If granted, such permission will entitle them to work in the State without a work permit for its duration. They are not otherwise entitled to take up employment other than employment for which a work permit has been obtained.

The persons in question are not visa required nationals. They will however require leave to enter from an immigration officer upon arrival. Given that the persons in question are not cur rently legally resident in the State I am not in a position to give an undertaking that they will be allowed re-enter the State after the Christmas holidays. However, they are in a position to request that their application for residency on the basis of an Irish born child be pursued in their absence.