Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the options open to non-EEA nationals, who currently have permission to remain in the State on an employment permit, to remain in the State on retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6957/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no special procedure for moving from being an employment permit holder to residence as a retired person. Cases are dealt with in broadly the same manner as any other application to reside in Ireland as a retiree.

In general, a non-EEA person who wishes to retire here must have sufficient financial resources to be able to support themselves including having private medical insurance and not require State services or benefits. A critical determinant would be the financial independence of the person. Any financial resources or pension entitlements acquired through employment would be counted in any determination.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6958/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. 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.

An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in November 2007 and an acknowledgement has recently issued to him. I understand that applications 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.