Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) has to apply to the Irish Embassy in Mexico for a visa to visit Ireland; the further reason it is difficult for an Irish citizen who marries abroad to have their spouse granted permanent residency here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46096/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Visa applications from persons resident in Cuba are lodged at the Embassy of Ireland, Mexico, which handles diplomatic representation for Cuba.

The person referred to is a Cuban national and, as such, is visa-required. Regarding permanent residency, the position is that marriage to an Irish national does not confer either (i) automatic entitlement to residence in the State or (ii) exemption from visa requirements. Should this couple wish to reside together in the State, an application for marriage to an Irish national may be made by writing to the Marriage to Irish National Section, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

Comprehensive information when either making a visa application or applying for marriage to an Irish National is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service — www.inis.gov.ie