Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for a stamp four or long term residency; the reason for the delay in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11857/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Long term residency was introduced by way of an administrative scheme in May 2004. 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.

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 on the 23 July 2007. I understand that applications received in August 2006 are currently being dealt with.

I understand that following the redeployment of resources within the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, additional personnel have recently been assigned to deal with applications for long term residency. I am satisfied that these additional resources will make an impact in processing the backlog on hand and dealing with the ongoing increase in the number of applications being received.