Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Visa Applications.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

672 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria and rules for a person living in Algeria to join their spouse who is self-employed and living here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15559/03]

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

The husband in question arrived in the State in 1997 and made an application for asylum on the grounds of persecution in Algeria. This application was unsuccessful. However, he was subsequently granted temporary permission to remain. The visa application refers to a 16 year old female who wishes to come to Ireland to join her 30 year old husband, he having returned home to Algeria where they married last February. In this regard it should be noted that the husband has been permanently resident in Ireland since 1997.

The visa application was refused due to insufficient supporting documentation. It is open to the person to make a fresh visa application. In this regard, any new application should be supported by up-to-date documentation which should include evidence of his current permission to remain in the State, his ability to fully support the applicant without recourse to public funds, the original of the marriage certificate and both passports.