Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12731/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The person who is the subject of this question made an application for family reunification in respect of family members in April 2002. The application was refused on 5 June 2003. Following a re-examination of the application, it was noted that the person concerned was naturalised in July 2001 and became an Irish citizen at that time. Under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 only refugees may apply to have family members join them in the State. The legal representative of the person concerned was informed of this on 14 March 2005. It is open to the family members of the person concerned to make visa applications to their nearest Irish embassy outlining the purpose and intended duration of their visit to the State.