James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on granting leave to remain or extending the visa of persons (details supplied) on humanitarian grounds as the two people in question assist their daughter who is a widow and they are financially independent and not a burden on the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30371/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The persons concerned were granted 'C' visit visas to enter the State for a period of up to 90 days. It now appears that they are seeking an extension of their permission to remain in the State.

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.

Documents submitted by the persons concerned in support of their visa application indicated that they would observe the conditions of their visa, would not become a burden on the State and that they would leave the State on the expiration of their permission to remain.

The persons concerned must leave and reapply from outside the State should they wish to return. They should include in their new visa application the purpose and duration of their intended stay.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the case of an American citizen who arrived here on a visitor visa and is applying for naturalisation on the basis of having Irish born grandparents, their visa can be amended to enable them to live and work in Ireland in the meantime; the procedures which should be followed by this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30420/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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American nationals are not visa required and may seek to enter and reside in the State on visitors conditions for up to 90 days. Persons who wish to remain for longer than 90 days must register with their local immigration office and apply for further permission to remain before their initial permission to remain expires.

Should it be the case that they wish to work, as a non EEA National it is necessary for them to obtain the appropriate documentation to enable them to take up employment in Ireland. Further information is available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website (www.entemp.ie)