Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a work permit will be awarded to a person (details supplied); his views on whether this is an unfortunate position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38052/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The applications in question were refused by my Department in September, 2004. An appeal was submitted and the decision was upheld on 13 October, 2004. The level of income in this case demonstrated that the individual in question may not be in a position to support the family so as to enable them to live in the State without recourse to public funds or resources. Therefore, my Department was not in a position to grant the visas at that time.

If the circumstances of the applicants have changed, then it is open to them to make fresh applications, supported by current documentation and my Department will be happy to consider this new application.

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 396: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason his Department deems a person (details supplied) to be unable to support his spouse and child here when he has a gross wage of €483.17 weekly; the reason his Department refuses to give working permits to persons willing to work and to contribute to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38053/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 395.

When assessing applications of this type, the visa officer will consider among other factors, whether the level of salary of the worker would come within the ambit of qualifying for payment from public funds. In this regard, the criteria set by the Department of Social and Family Affairs for eligibility for family income supplement, FIS, payments have been used. The criteria, which may change from time to time, are available on that Department's website at www.welfare.ie/publications/sw22.html.

The procedures for dealing with visa applications from family members of work permit holders who wish to join that worker in the State, including the income thresholds applicable, are currently under consideration as part of ongoing developments within the Irish naturalisation and immigration service.