Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason in view of the fact that her visiting visa heretofore allowed her to attend college it cannot be updated for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 in order to allow her continued education notwithstanding his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 10 April 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17121/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 10 April 2008. The person referred to in the Deputy's question was granted a C visit visa to enter the State for a period of three months for the purpose of a visit only, not to attend college in the State.

An examination of the papers in relation to the case indicates that the person concerned sought an extension of her C Visit Visa with the Immigration Division of my Department and was refused.

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 the State. 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 visit visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.

The person concerned must leave and reapply from outside the State. Should she wish to return, she should include in her new visa application the purpose and duration of her intended stay.