John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will address the concerns regarding the visa for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12920/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The application in question was received in my Department on 17 November 2004. The visa sought to allow a non-EEA national to visit with family in the State.

In assessing any visa application, the visa officer will consider various matters, including whether it is reasonable in all the circumstances to conclude that the applicant will fully honour the conditions of the visa. For example, it is necessary to assess the likelihood that the applicant will overstay the length of time for which he or she applied. The visa officer will also have regard to information provided on such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in their country of origin.

The application in question was refused because the visa officer could not reasonably be satisfied, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa. In particular, it was felt the applicant had not displayed evidence of obligations to return home following the proposed visit.

The visa refusal was appealed and the visa appeals officer who re-examined the application decided the original decision to refuse the visa should be upheld. It is open to the applicant to make a fresh application with up-to-date supporting documentation and the matter will be considered anew.

John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will address the concerns regarding the visa for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12921/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The application was received in my Department on 30 November 2004. The visa was sought to allow a non-EEA national visit relatives in the State.

In assessing any visa application, the visa officer will consider various matters, including whether it is reasonable in all the circumstances to conclude the applicant will fully honour the conditions of the visa. For instance, consideration must be given to the likelihood the applicant will overstay the length of time for which he or she has applied. The visa officer will also have regard to information provided on such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in their country of origin.

The application in question was refused because the visa officer could not reasonably be satisfied, on the basis of documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa. In particular, it was felt the applicant had not displayed evidence of obligations to return home following the proposed visit. The visa refusal was appealed and the visa appeals officer who reviewed the application decided the original decision to refuse the visa should be upheld. It is open to the applicant to make a fresh application with up-to-date supporting documentation and the matter will be considered anew.