Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the residency applications for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32146/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The person concerned, a Nigerian national, and her three children, arrived in the State on 16 May 2002 and applied for asylum. Her claim was refused by the Refugee Applications Commissioner and she was informed of that recommendation on 8 April 2003. The person concerned appealed this recommendation and her appeal was heard on 20 April 2004 by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The appeal was rejected and she was informed of this decision by letter dated 14 May 2004. This letter also informed her that the decision applied to her dependants included in her appeal.

Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the person concerned was informed by letter dated 31 August 2004 that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her three children. She was, in accordance with the Act, given the options to be exercised within 15 working days of: making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before deportation orders were made; or consenting to the making of deportation orders. Representations have been made to my Department requesting that the person concerned and her three children be allowed to remain in the State. I expect the file to be submitted to me for decision in due course.