I propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 446 together.
Visa applications from Libyan nationals are treated in a similar manner to applications from other nationals.
Visa required nationals who wish to pursue third level studies in Ireland, following foundation English language studies, are normally required to submit, as part of their visa application, letters of acceptance from the third level institutions concerned. Such letters confirm that the individual has been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education. The applicants to whom the Deputy refers had submitted statements of financial support from the Libyan authorities for the purpose of pursuing English language studies and further third level studies in the State. However, they had submitted letters of acceptance from English language schools only as they did not have confirmed plans at the time of application to pursue further third level studies in the State. As I indicated earlier, there are soundly based public policy reasons as to why letters of acceptance are also sought from third level institutions.
Taking account of the fact that these students will be fully funded by the Libyan authorities, and subject to their meeting all the requirements for a visa for English language studies only, it was deemed appropriate to make an exception in these cases and to forgo the requirement for letters of acceptance from third level institutions. In the event that these applicants are granted permission for English studies, they will have the option of applying to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department to extend that permission if they are accepted on a third level course and can demonstrate that they have reached the required standard of English. It is open to persons who may have been refused a visa in these circumstances to submit a fresh application.
There have been no contacts between my Department and the Libyan Government in relation to student matters.
