I am advised by officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned does not meet the qualifying criteria which would exempt him from work permit requirements. Applications for Long Term Residency are considered in respect of persons who have resided legally (endorsements in passport) for a period of 60 months or longer on the basis of work permit conditions.
It is noted that the person referred to by the Deputy has permission to remain on work permit conditions until 6 January, 2013. If the person concerned wishes to take up new employment they must ensure that they obtain the appropriate work permit.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.