Visa Applications.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2009

Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Questions (252)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

287 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an Australian citizen who is in a relationship for two years with an Irish citizen and who has been employed here since March 2008, can be considered for an interdependent partner visa to enable them to continue living and working here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such visas may be obtained in Australia after a relationship of 12 months’ duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5597/09]

Written answers

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

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that Australian nationals proposing to enter the State are not visa required. In this case where an Australian citizen is legally resident in Ireland and is in a relationship for two years with an Irish national it is open to that person to apply to the General Immigration Division of my Department for permission to remain based on the de-facto relationship. I cannot comment on procedures or arrangements in other countries.