Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 366: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an application for a visa extension for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if a refusal of a visa extension in these circumstances is conducive to retention of non-Irish national nurses in the health service here; if he will sympathetically review this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24319/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can assure the Deputy that my Department has always facilitated the introduction and retention of nurses and other members of the medical profession from abroad in taking up employment in the health service in Ireland when there is a requirement for such services. The Immigration Division of my Department has informed me that the particular person referred to in the Deputy's question was granted a short stay (C) visit visa to enter the State to visit her daughter for a period of 90 days. She is now seeking an extension of her permission to remain in the State in order to care for her grandchildren.

A wrap-around information sheet accompanies every short stay (C) visit visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that 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 and that the period of stay is for a maximum of 90 days. It is the policy of my Department not to extend a permission to remain to persons who are admitted for a period of 90 days or less on a short stay (C) visit visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. The request for an extension of the Visa was refused and notification of this decision was issued by the Immigration Division on the 10th June 2008. The person referred to in the Deputy's question must now leave and reapply from outside the State should she wish to return to Ireland. She should include in her new visa application the purpose and duration of her intended stay.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 367: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis for refusal of visitor visas to persons (details supplied); if he will sympathetically review the refusal decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa applications referred to have been approved following appeal.