Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 660: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the decision made in relation to a visa application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed. [19842/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 18 April 2005. In assessing any visa application various matters will be considered, including whether the applicant will fully honour the conditions of the visa, for example, it is likely that the applicant would overstay the length of time applied for. The visa officer will have regard to information provided and to such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in their country of origin in coming to a decision.

The visa officer who assessed the application was not happy to approve the visa in the knowledge of adherence to Schengen visas issued in recent years as there was not enough evidence provided in regard to obligations at home to ensure that the applicant would return home following the proposed visit. The visa officer could not reasonably be satisfied, on the basis of documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would fully honour the conditions of the visa if it were to be approved.

If the applicant still wishes to travel she may appeal this refusal by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department within two months of the notification of refusal and submit any additional documentation that it is felt may address the reasons for refusal as outlined above.