Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures in place for persons claiming residency once they have been here five years; the waiting time in relation to same; if priority is given to persons who are seeking to establish a business but need certainty of status before gaining finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8392/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Long-term residency is an administrative scheme that was introduced in May2004 and is focused on persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit / work authorisation / work visa conditions. Such persons 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.

I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. Applications are generally dealt with in chronological order which is deemed fairest to the applicants.