Vol. 548 No. 2
370 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application to remain in the State, on the basis of marriage to an EU national, of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4610/02]
The person in question entered the State in early 2000 and claimed asylum. He withdrew his claim for asylum on 13 December 2000, applying instead for residency in the State on the basis of marriage to an EU national. This application was subsequently refused and the individual was informed of this decision on 1 October 2001. At that time he was given the opportunity to submit other grounds on which he may wish to remain in the State. He failed to do so. On 12 December 2001, a letter issued informing him that it was proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and giving him the following options: 15 working days to make written representations setting out any reasons he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, to leave the State before a decision whether or not an order for his deportation was taken, or to consent to the making of a deportation order.
Representations as to why he should be allowed remain in the State were received from his legal representatives and these are being considered by my Department. I expect the case file in relation to this person to be submitted to me for decision shortly.
