Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1009: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will review the decision to refuse a holiday visa to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25326/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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When 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 their country of origin.

The application in question was refused on 11 August 2005 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 that the applicant had not displayed evidence of an obligation to return home following the proposed visit. In addition, no evidence of finances was submitted with the application to show how the applicant intended to maintain himself while in the State and there was no documentary evidence of the sponsor's trip to Nigeria.

If the applicant still wishes to travel it is open to him to appeal the refusal decision by writing to the visa appeals officer of my Department within two months of the date of receipt of the decision letter. Any appeal should be accompanied by additional documentation designed to address the reasons for refusal outlined above.