asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications which have been made to his Department in each of the years 1982 to 1987 inclusive and in this year to date by non-Irish nationals for permission to reside permanently in the State; the number of such applications which have been granted in each of the said years; the number refused; the number which currently await decision; the nationalities of the applicants in each of the said years; the nationalities of those whose request has been (a) granted and (b) refused; the nationalities of those currently awaiting decision; and the average length of time it takes his Department to process such applications.
Written Answers. - Non-Irish Nationals Residence Applications.
62.
Records are not kept by my Department in such a way as would enable me to provide the information requested. To do so would involve an examination of the records and the diversion of staff resources which could not be justified in present circumstances.