Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [24373/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by officials in the long term residency section of my Department that long term residency is an administrative scheme introduced in May 2004 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. 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 in May 2007. I understand that applications received in September 2006 are currently being dealt with. Applications are dealt with in strict chronological order. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified. In addition, an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in May 2007. On examination of the application it was determined that the person concerned did not satisfy the residency requirement as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing her of this was issued on 28 August 2007. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when she is in a position to satisfy the statutory requirements applicable at that time.