Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

557 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when residency status will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Meath who has lived here for two years, whose child was born here and who has worked for the same firm for the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7935/03]

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.