Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 1

Written Answers. - Visa Applications.

Billy Timmins

Question:

175 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied), the reason this application was refused, even though the person had previously been granted a visa enabling her to visit another EU country, the reason persons (details supplied) were not allowed to have their friend visit them, if this application can be re-examined with a view to allowing this person to visit, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22482/03]

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

The visa application in question was refused in August 2003 because it had not been established, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of a visitor's visa. In particular, it was felt that the applicant had not displayed sufficient evidence of her obligations to return home following her proposed visit. The application was accompanied by a letter from her two Irish-national sponsors who stated that they would supply only the "basic needs" of the applicant during her proposed visit. The applicant, however, stated she would be dependent on the sponsors to maintain her while on her three week visit in the State. No documentation was submitted to show whether the applicant and her sponsors had ever met.

It is open to the applicant to appeal against the refusal by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department.