John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will arrange a further appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, whose cousin was refused a visa to visit them; the reason they were refused in view of the fact that it was clearly demonstrated that the couple intended to return after a short visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27405/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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An extensive set of criteria applies when assessing any visa application. These criteria, to a large extent, depend on the context in which the application is made, the personal circumstances of the applicant, and the nature and purpose of the application itself. Government policy of the day will also have an influence on the assessment of applications falling into specific categories.

The onus rests with the applicant to provide evidence of actual ties with their country of origin, which may be ties of an economic, social, personal or professional nature. Such ties are factors which may be taken into consideration when examining an application for a visa. An applicant for a visit visa seeks to enter the State for a short period only and must clearly demonstrate that he or she will adhere to the conditions of the visa.

The visa applications in question were received in my Department on 27 July 2005 and were refused on 28 August 2005. The applications were the subject of an appeal by the applicants at which time additional information was supplied to my Department addressing the reason for refusal. However, the visa appeals officer was unable to conclude that the initial decision should be overturned and the decision to decline the grant of a visa was upheld. As each application is entitled to only one appeal, no further review can be facilitated.