Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons (details supplied) will be supported. [19564/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the application referred to was approved on appeal on the 15th May 2008.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on extending the visa of a person (details supplied) for nine months to allow them go back to Bangladesh to receive much needed medical care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19572/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 567 of 17 April 2008. The position in relation to 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.

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 have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that an application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on 12 June 2007. I understand that applications received in August 2006 are currently being dealt with and that as soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

The person in question also made an application for Business Permission in the State which was refused in August 2007. There is currently an appeal pending in relation to this refusal and a decision should issue shortly. If the person referred to in the Deputy's Question wishes to leave the State for medical attention, he may do so, and if he wishes to return at a future date he should apply to the nearest Irish Embassy for the appropriate visa to re-enter the State.