Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2004
461 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to be able to process an application for residency on the basis of marriage to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3144/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for permission to remain in the State based on marriage to an Irish national was received from the person concerned in July 2003. Applications of this type are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently take approximately ten to 11 months to process. Applications submitted in February 2003 are currently being finalised.
462 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an applicant for residency on the basis of marriage to an Irish national can obtain a position and work while the application is being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3145/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general a non-national requires a work permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to be employed in the State. There are circumstances whereby a non-national, by virtue of the immigration status granted him or her, such as persons granted residency on the grounds referred to by the Deputy, is exempted of this requirement.
Where an applicant for residency is a person who requires a work permit, it is only when such residency application is finally determined and permission is granted that the person may be employed without the need for a work permit.
