Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the residency application of a person (details supplied); and if same will be expedited as their current work permit is nearing expiration. [35877/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As outlined to the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 223 put down for answer on 10 October 2006 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. The most recent application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on 14 September 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. I understand that applications for long term residency received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.