Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 367: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to do an apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29169/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The person referred to by the Deputy entered the State on foot of a D Study Visa in 2004 and was granted permission to remain in the State on student conditions.

The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not exempt the person from employment permit requirements.

Time spent in the state on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency.

The criteria for qualification for participation on a FÁS Scheme is a matter for FÁS itself and it is open to the person concerned to contact FÁS regarding his eligibility.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 368: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29170/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his Dail Question No. 684 of 21 March, 2006. The position in the State of the person concerned remains as set out in the reply.