Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 712: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding persons (details supplied) in County Kildare who have applied for permission to remain here for an extended period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1019/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 713: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) in County Kildare can apply for residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1020/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 712 and 713 together.

This Cameroonian couple arrived in the State on 3 February 2003 and applied for asylum. Their application was refused following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The couple are the parents of Irish born children. Subsequently, in accordance with the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, they were informed by letter dated 14 January 2005, that it was proposed to make deportation orders in their case. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out reasons that they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, leaving the State before deportation orders are signed or consenting to the making of deportation orders.

In the normal course of events, the couple's case files, including all representations submitted, would be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended and under section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended. However, this couple, as the parents of Irish born children, may, if they so wish, apply to have their application considered under the new arrangements introduced by me for the consideration of applications for permission to remain made by the non-national parents of Irish born children born before 1 January, 2005.

An information notice setting out details of the new arrangements and the appropriate application form is available from the Department's website www.justice.ie. Application forms are also available from Garda district headquarters stations outside Dublin, at all Reception and Integration Agency accommodation centres countrywide and from various non-governmental organisations working with immigrants and asylum seekers.