Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 119: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider the application of a person (details supplied) to stay in Ireland in view of their circumstances. [15587/07]

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

The person concerned was granted a C visit visa to enter the State for a period of three months. It now appears that he is seeking an extension of his permission to remain in the State. An examination of the papers in relation to the case indicates that the person concerned sought an extension of his C Visit Visa with the Immigration Division of my Department and was refused. A wrap-around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted.

Every visa applicant is required to state on the application form the dates on which he or she proposes to enter and leave Ireland. He or she is also required to declare that the information supplied is correct and complete. A C Visa is granted for visits of less than 90 days. As a consequence it is not the general policy to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted initially for a period of 90 days or less on a C visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. The person concerned must leave and reapply from outside the State. Should he wish to return, he should include in his new visa application the purpose and duration of his intended stay.