Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for permanent residency for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31986/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There is no provision for the granting of permanent residency in Irish Immigration legislation. However, the proposed Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will, for the first time, make statutory provision for a status of long term resident. An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on the 21st June 2006.

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. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date. I understand that applications received in April 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.