Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Nov 1995

Vol. 145 No. 2

Adjournment Matters. - Delay in Granting Visa.

Mr. Cosgrave

The Minister of State at the Department of Justice is more than adequate to take this matter and I am sure he will be able to respond positively to my request.

I have had difficulties getting a response to this issue so, perhaps, the Minister might take it up with the appropriate authorities. I understand that Departments are busy but they are well staffed. Senator Manning and I share a secretary who helps us with our political business and also helps to keep this House running, which is done efficiently and effectively. This proves that quality is better than quantity.

This visa, which has been delayed, is urgently required for the development of a restaurant enterprise in the Dún Laoghaire area. The Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Deputy Bruton, issued a work permit some time ago and he was satisfied with the applicant's credentials. I hope this enterprise will develop and will create additional local employment which is in everyone's interest.

I ask the Minister to ensure that a positive decision is made as soon as possible. We must ensure that this enterprise helps local development and creates employment. I ask the Minister to respond positively; perhaps, he could pass on my earlier comments to the appropriate authorities.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice (Mr. Currie)

I will ensure that the Senator's comments are passed on to the relevant authorities.

The person concerned has been issued with a work permit for the period 1 August 1995 to 31 July 1996 and has applied for a work entry visa. Certain nationals, including Chinese, are required to possess a valid Irish entry visa prior to their entry to the State. Visa applications may be made to any Irish embassy or consular post. The person concerned, a Chinese national, requires a valid visa each time he enters the State. Failure to possess a valid visa is a reason for refusing a person entry to the State.

An applicant for a work visa should, as a minimum, provide the following information: proof that the relevant work permit has been approved or issued by the Department of Enterprise and Employment to the person's employer; details of period of employment; details of a reference in the State and any other relevant information deemed necessary with regard to the application. The issue of a work permit to a prospective employer does not automatically grant permission to enter or reside in the State. The alien must obtain the correct entry visa to be allowed to travel to Ireland and, if allowed to enter, must register with the Garda Síochána within three months of arrival.

In this case a standard check of the person's visa application showed that he declared his profession as farmer. Given that his intention was to come here to work as a chef, it was decided that his chef's certificate should be verified with the Chinese Ministry of Labour. We have been made aware of a problem of forged cook's certificates being presented by visa applicants.

I am sure the Senator will appreciate the importance of carrying out appropriate checks to ensure that visas are issued to bona fide applicants only and that non-Irish or non-EEA nationals securing jobs here do so on the basis of legitimate qualifications. I understand that confirmation was received today that the certificate has been verified so a visa will issue in this case. I am sure that is the positive response the Senator requested when introducing this matter.

The Seanad adjourned at 2.20 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 8 November 1995.