Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: 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. [26566/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The applications in question were received in my Department on 5 August 2004. Having given full consideration to the matter, the visas were refused because my Department was not satisfied that the applicants would fully honour the conditions of the visa. It was felt that the applicants had not displayed evidence of their obligations to return home following the proposed visit. The applications were refused on 7 September as the visa officer could not be reasonably satisfied that the applicants would observe the conditions of the visa.

The onus is on the applicant to provide sufficient documentation to enable both the initial application and, where applicable, an appeal to be fully examined. In this case, it was deemed that the evidence provided by the applicants at appeal stage did not warrant a reversal of the initial decision to refuse the application. Consequently, the decision to decline the grant of a visa to the applicants was upheld on 29 October 2004. It is open to the applicants to make a fresh application with up-to-date supporting documentation and the matter will be considered anew.