Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
811. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria that constitute special circumstances in join spouse visa applications which may warrant the granting of an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33126/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that its website (http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Join%20Family) contains comprehensive guidelines to assist an applicant with the application process.
The information on the website is for guidance purposes only and does not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in dealing with individual applications. In assessing any application, the Visa Officer will have regard to all of the information available to them including any previous applications made. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that any visa sought should be granted and all of the information that the applicant wishes to have taken into consideration should be included with the visa application.
The central concern, as with all visa services worldwide, in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime, while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria. Each visa application is decided on its own merits taking all relevant factors into account and, as such, it is not possible to say in advance if a particular circumstance would lead to the grant of a visa.
