Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 462: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant holiday visas to persons (details supplied) from a non-EU state to attend a family christening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30051/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The visa applications in question were received in my office on 30 September 2005. When assessing the applications in question, consideration was given to the personal circumstances of the applicants and the extent of their ties in their country of origin, The applications were refused because it was not established, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicants would observe the conditions of a visit visa. In particular, it was felt that the applicants had not displayed sufficient evidence of their obligations to return home following their proposed visit. Second, financial information was not provided, therefore the visa officer could not be satisfied that there would be no recourse to public funds.

It is open to the applicants to appeal against the refusal of the visas by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department, together with additional supporting documentation. It is the responsibility of each applicant to submit all relevant documentation, including any evidence of intent to return home, which may support the appeal.