Visa Applications.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2008

Wednesday, 1 October 2008

Questions (125)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

131 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances relating to a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford which has been refused on the grounds that it is contrary to general policy that comprise compelling grounds as to the reason an exception to this policy should be made; if this visa application will be reconsidered on an exception to policy basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32980/08]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 30 May 2008. It was refused by the Visa Officer on 3 July 2008 as it is not general policy to grant a visa to dependant family members over the age of 18 to join or visit persons granted residency/residing in the State. The applicant's case was fully examined and there were no compelling grounds shown as to why an exception to this policy should be made. The time period within which an appeal may be submitted (two months) has elapsed. It is open to the applicant to make a fresh visa application at any time. If doing so, the applicant may include details which they feel are compelling reasons as to why their case should be regarded as being exceptional to the general policy.