Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
407 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement regarding when his Department will make a decision concerning a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if, in view of the fact that this person is married to an Irish citizen, he will allow them to work here while a decision on their long-term status in the country is being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20005/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person in question previously made a visa application in December 2003 for the stated purpose of coming to Ireland for a one-month visit. That particular application was refused as it had not been established, on the basis of documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visit visa. In particular, it was felt that the applicant had not displayed evidence of any obligations to return home following his proposed visit. It was noted that the applicant named a reference in Ireland and that she would assist with funds and accommodation for the proposed one month visit. However, no prior existing relationship with the Irish sponsor was evident.
It appears the person in question subsequently arrived in the State on the basis of marriage to that Irish national and a written request was received in my Department on 20 May 2004 for permission to remain on those grounds. The supporting documentation submitted with this request consisted of photocopies of a Bulgarian civil marriage contract certificate and translation of same. No original documentation was submitted with application. Applications of this type are dealt with in strict chronological order and currently taking a minimum of 12 months to process and I am unable to give any commitment pending the consideration of the case.
