Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding visa applications for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20988/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The applications referred to by the Deputy were for the stated purposes of allowing two non-EEA nationals travel to the State for a short term visit.

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 would fully honour the conditions of the visa, for example, whether it is likely that the applicant would overstay the length of time applied for. The visa officer will also have regard to information provided and to such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in his or her country of origin. The applications in question were refused because the visa officer could not reasonably be satisfied, on the basis of the documentation supplied with the application, that the applicants would observe the conditions of the visas applied for. In particular, it was felt that the applicants had not displayed evidence of how they intended supporting themselves financially during their proposed stay in the State, or of obligations to return home following the proposed visit. The applications were refused on 16 February 2005.

An appeal in respect of the applications was received on 3 May 2005. However, based on the additional information supplied, the visa appeals officer was unable to conclude that the initial decision should be overturned. Consequently, these applications were refused on appeal on 27 May 2005. As each application is entitled to only one appeal, fresh applications must be lodged should the applicants still wish to travel.