Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 468: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the application of a person (details supplied) for a visitor's visa to Ireland; and the reason for the refusal of same. [4320/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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When assessing any visa application, the visa officer will consider various matters, including whether it is reasonable in all the circumstances to conclude that the applicant would fully honour the conditions of the visa such as whether it is likely that the applicant would overstay the length of time applied for. The visa officer will also have regard to information provided and to such factors as the applicant's ties and general circumstances in their country of origin. The application in question was refused because the visa officer could not reasonably be satisfied, on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicant would observe the conditions of the visa.

Additionally, it was felt there were insufficient finances available and the sponsor did not provide a detailed bank statement. The visa officer decided that there was no clear link with the reference and that in fact, they had never met. There were no details of return flights provided and the applicant intended to source language courses and apply for a study visa. Therefore, in all the circumstances, the visa officer was not satisfied that the conditions of a visa would be adhered to.

It is open to the applicant to appeal the decision within two months of the notification of the refusal. The visa appeals officer will review the application taking into consideration any additional documentation supplied in support of the appeal.