Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 271: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis for the decision not to allow a holiday visa in the case of persons (details supplied); the way this decision was arrived at; the documentation or other material required by his Department to convince them that the applicants will return when their holiday visa expires; and if he will immediately review this case. [28718/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Visa Office on 22nd June, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the applications was taken on 18th July, 2006. The applications were refused because the Visa Officer was not satisfied, on the basis of the documentation supplied, that the applicants had demonstrated a sufficient obligation to return home; that the applicants would observe the conditions of the visa and that the applicants had established a clear link to the reference in Ireland. In relation to the first person in question, information in respect of the immigration status of the reference in Ireland was not supplied and in respect of the second person in question it was considered by the Visa Officer that insufficient evidence of finances was demonstrated.

Appeals were received in respect of both applications on 1st September, 2006, however, the decisions to refuse were upheld by the Visa Appeals Officer on 7th September, 2006 on the basis that the applicants had failed to demonstrate sufficient obligations to return home and that they would observe the conditions of the visa. As each application is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however, it is open to the applicants to make fresh applications. Comprehensive guidelines on the documentation required for a visit visa can be found on my Department's website (www.justice.ie).