Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 463: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of recent political developments in Libya, if he will provide details of the procedure which apply to Libyan nationals applying for a short-time visa to visit Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34707/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that there has been no change or alteration in the visa application procedures for Libyan nationals notwithstanding the recent political developments to which the Deputy refers.

However, the Deputy may be interested to learn that officials in my Department are currently expediting the issuing of visas for a small number of Libyan patients who will be receiving urgent treatment in private medical facilities in Ireland. This initiative is on foot of recent contact involving the new Libyan authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Health and my own Department. The need for this treatment stems from the recent conflict in Libya and similar arrangements have been made with a number of other European countries. It is important that Ireland makes a contribution in this regard and I am happy that my Department can support this important initiative which will help pave the way for a constructive relationship with the new government of Libya into the future.

By way of general comment, the Deputy should be aware that each visa application is considered on its individual merits. In assessing any Visa application, the Visa Officer will consider various matters, including whether it is reasonable in the circumstances to conclude that the applicant would honour the conditions of the Visa and whether there is a significant risk that the applicant would overstay the period applied for. The Visa Officer will also have regard to all of the information available to them and to such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in their country of origin. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that the visa sought should be granted.