Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 386: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information which is required to satisfy the criteria to show relationship history and sufficient funds for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [7657/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 1119 of Wednesday, 25 January last in which I outlined the background to this application.

An applicant must satisfy the visa officer examining the application of both a relationship history and the availability of sufficient funds to support the spouse in the State without recourse to public funds. It is important that the applicant can show that the couple had met on several occasions prior to the marriage and in short that a sound relationship existed. In the case of finances, documentation such as a P60 and recent bank statements and pay slips which set out the finances of the supporting spouse, are acceptable.

The decision to decline the grant of the visa was upheld by the visa appeals officer on re-examination of the case. As each application is entitled to only one appeal, no further review can be facilitated. It is open to the person concerned to submit a new application for a visa accompanied by additional information, clear evidence of adequate funds to support the spouse and a history of the relationship.