Visa Applications.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004

Thursday, 21 October 2004

Ceisteanna (171)

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

171 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the application by a person (details supplied) for a tourist visa will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25864/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The person in question made a visa application in August 2004, to enable him to visit the State for a two month holiday. The applicant stated on his visa application form that he is employed in his home country, yet no documentation was submitted to support this claim. No evidence of finances was submitted to show how the applicant intended to maintain himself while in the State. It was also noted that the applicant named a sponsor in Ireland on his visa application form. However, the sponsor did not provide any information outlining his own status in the State. In fact, the application consisted solely of the completed form and a letter from the sponsor. It was also noted that the dates on the application and the accompanying letter appear to have been altered from a date in 2002 to a current date. The application was refused because the visa officer was unable to conclude, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa.

While it is open to the applicant to appeal against the refusal by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department enclosing additional supporting documentation, it would be more appropriate for a fresh application to be made with up to date supporting documentation.