Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for long-term residency in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; and the period of time it will take to complete the processing of same. [36878/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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 my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements. The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.

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 first person referred to by the Deputy was received in March 2007. I understand that applications received in January 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made in his case, the person concerned will be notified. The application from his spouse, the second person referred to by the Deputy, will be considered at the same time.