Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 643: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason that medical insurance is a requirement for visa applicants from a non-EU state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31015/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, it should be borne in mind that not all non-EU citizens are required to be in possession of a valid Irish visa prior to arriving at a port of entry to the State. In cases where an individual is visa required, it is the general policy of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service to advise persons proposing to enter the State on a short stay 'visit' visa to have secured the appropriate medical/travel insurance for the duration of the proposed stay. This is an advisory and not a mandatory requirement in order to be considered for such a visa. In such cases, the risk that the applicant presents of becoming a burden on public funds or public resources will be assessed as part of the determination process of the visa application.

The position as regards a long term stay, that is a duration exceeding 90 days differs somewhat, in that such applicants are required to have the appropriate medical insurance in place. The reason for such a requirement is that there is an onus on the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that they will not become a burden on public funds or public resources in the event that a long term visa is granted.