Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 602: 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 a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and when a final decision will be made in relation to same. [48079/08]

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

The position in relation to granting 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.

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 person referred to by the Deputy was received in November 2007. I understand that applications received in March 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 603: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the nature of the agreement between Ireland and Turkey in relation to the specific long-term residency rights of Turkish nationals who have been living legally here for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48085/08]

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

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that under Article 6 of the Turkish Association Agreement and Regulations, Decision No 1/80 of the Association Council of 1 September, 1980 on the Development of the Association, the following arrangements are in place.

After one year's legal employment in the Member State a Turkish Worker is entitled to the renewal of his/her permit to work for the same employer if a job is available. After three years of legal employment in the Member State with the same employer a Turkish Worker is entitled to have an employer of his/her choice obtain a work permit on his/her behalf for the same occupation, subject to the priority to be given to workers of Member States of the Community. After four years of employment on work permit conditions in the Member State the Turkish Worker is entitled to free access to any paid employment of his/her choice. i.e. no work permit required.