Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 602: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the data requested by the Immigrant Council of Ireland in a letter dated 14 September 2005 regarding family reunification, has been made available; if he will supply the requested information; if not, the steps he is taking to improve data collection so that such information can be made available. [28073/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I wish to advise the Deputy of the current policy regarding family reunification. He will be aware that at present there is no specific legislation governing family reunification for migrants who are not refugees. There is a set of administrative procedures in place for non-refugees. There was a review of the provisions regarding family reunification for migrant workers in February of this year and the current arrangements for the processing of such applications are as follows: a non-EEA national who is not visa required and is working in the State on an employment permit or under the work authorisation scheme may apply for family reunification (spouse, minor child) immediately; a non-EEA national who is visa required and working in the State under the Working Visa Scheme may apply for family reunification (spouse, minor child) immediately; a non-EEA national who is visa required and is working on an employment permit and working in an occupation included in the working visa/work authorisation scheme may apply for family reunification (spouse, minor child) immediately; a non-EEA national who is visa required and is working in the State on an employment permit may apply for family reunification (spouse, minor child) on condition that he/she has been working here for at least 12 months and is likely to remain so for a similar period, i.e. the work permit has been renewed. The earnings criteria which apply to such applications are detailed on my Department's website.

Data is not currently collated in a manner which would allow my Department to provide definitive figures in this area. I will be considering the issue of family reunification in the context of the forthcoming Immigration and Residence Bill. Work is at an advanced stage in INIS on the delivery of a number of major IT projects which will substantially enhance the area of data collection.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 603: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the specific criteria and guidelines used in determining whether to grant a visa for family reunification; the specific criteria and guidelines used in determining whether to grant a visa for family visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28074/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Comprehensive information and guidelines outlining the visa application process and the documentation required for family reunification and, indeed, all visa types can be found on my Department's website at www.justice.ie.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 604: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the specific criteria and guidelines used to determine if someone has sufficient finances to allow them to be joined by a family member on holiday; the criteria and guidelines used for residency purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28075/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Comprehensive information on all visa types can be found on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). Details of the documentation required to establish that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to finance the duration of the proposed stay are contained therein.

Further in relation to those applicants who intend to reside in Ireland the criteria set by the Department of Social and Family Affairs for Family Income Supplement Payment (FIS) is used. The criteria, which may change from time to time, are available on that Department's website www.welfare.ie/publications/sw22.html.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 605: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the specific criteria and guidelines used to determine whether someone has the potential to overstay their visa; the proof or assurances needed to allow them to join a family member on holiday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28076/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Comprehensive information on making a holiday visa application is available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). Details of the evidence required by the applicant, to establish a commitment to return home after the proposed visit, is contained therein.