Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2005
153 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received an appeal from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath against the refusal to furnish a visa to their family; if he will take into account the additional evidence which has been furnished to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2225/05]
View answerI can confirm that an appeal was received from the person referred to and is pending consideration by a visa appeals officer. A decision will issue on the appeal in the near future. Any additional information furnished in support of the appeal will of course be taken into account by the appeals officer.
154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can sponsor a holiday visa for another person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2226/05]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy submitted an application on behalf of the non-EEA national concerned in October 2004 for the stated purpose of a three month holiday in the State. The application was examined by a visa officer who concluded that, based on the documentation provided, it was not reasonable in all the circumstances to grant a visa and the application was refused.
The visa application consisted solely of an application form completed and signed by the sponsor, not the applicant; a photocopy of an extract of the passport; a covering letter and bank statement from the sponsor. There was no evidence that the non-national would observe the conditions of a visit visa or had any obligations to return home following the proposed three month visit, or that he had any means to support himself. There was nothing to indicate any clear pre-existing link between the non-national and the sponsor. The copy of the extract of the passport indicated its validity was due to expire shortly after the visa application was made.
It is open to the person to sponsor a visa application from the person concerned. However, any such application should be completed and signed by the person the subject of the application and should be accompanied by supporting documentation which fully addresses the concerns of the visa officer raised above.
