Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Work Permits.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

555 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding IBC in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth who is not a refugee or asylum seeker but is here on a work visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7912/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Supreme Court gave its judgment in the cases of L & O on the 23 January 2003 and found that the Minister was entitled to deport the persons concerned who are the parents of Irish born children. At that time there were over 11,000 applications on hand in respect of which no decision has been made. The case to which the Deputy refers is one of those cases.

No further processing is taking place on these cases pending a determination by Government on the general policy to be adopted. I have given the Government a preliminary assessment of the implications of the judgment and, in the near future, I intend to bring to Government a more comprehensive assessment and proposals for action on foot of it. Any person who is working in the State under a valid work permit may obtain permission to remain on that basis.