Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 340: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of an application (details supplied) for residency; and if he will make a decision on the matter. [21795/06]

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

The reference number supplied by the Deputy in the details accompanying his Question refers to an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to. The application in question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in May 2004. Officials in Citizenship Section are currently processing applications received in the first half of 2004 and it is likely that processing of the application of the person in question will commence very shortly. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the application.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 341: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of a visa application for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21820/06]

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

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 15th April, 2005. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was taken on 12th July, 2005. An appeal against the initial refusal decision was received on 18th August, 2005. Following a re-examination of the case, the decision to refuse was upheld on 20th September, 2005. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be facilitated; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 342: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application under humanitarian leave to remain here in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21847/06]

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

The persons concerned arrived in the State on 4 May, 2004 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the first named person was informed by letter dated 30 January, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of them. The second named person was informed by letter dated 17 January, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her children. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before orders are made or consenting to the making of deportation orders. Representations have been received on behalf of the persons concerned. These persons' case files, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the files to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 343: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current and expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21848/06]

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

The person concerned arrived in the State on 2 January, 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 18 May, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course. This person's wife was granted permission to remain on 21 October, 1999 on the basis of her parentage of an Irish born child.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 344: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application to remain here in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21849/06]

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

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 18 May, 2006.