The person in question is a 17 year old female. Her father came to the State in December 1999 and made an asylum application. He subsequently withdrew the asylum application and applied for residency based on parentage of an Irish born child and this was granted in January 2002. I understand that the 17 year old, the subject of the Deputy's question, arrived in the State on 31 December 2002 to join her father, but without his prior knowledge. She arrived illegally and has no legal status in the State.
An application was made on behalf of the minor for permission to remain in the State with her father. This is currently being processed and the immigration division of my Department has recently requested documentation in this regard. On receipt of the information requested a decision will be made on her case.