John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visitor's visa will be granted on humanitarian grounds to a person (details supplied); if an ongoing visiting arrangement can be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36570/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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A visa application was refused by the Department in September 2005. The authorities dealing with this matter have been informed that the Department, in co-operation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and in particular in the interest of the child, are happy to grant a re-entry visa to the mother of the child to allow her to travel to Britain to visit and initiate a familiarisation programme with the child.

The child in question has had no contact with her mother for a number of years and the welfare of the child and reunification of the child with her parents is the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings in Britain. If the mother wishes to pursue her interest in meeting the child and assisting the child in the familiarisation programme she should apply for a re-entry visa which, as I have already stated, will be granted without delay.