Written answers

Thursday, 20 May 2010

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Citizenship Applications

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date in the application for residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21308/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that the person in question was granted permission to remain in the State in September of 2000 under the scheme then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish born children. This permission is valid up to 13 September 2010 and may be renewed at her local immigration office 2 weeks prior to that date. I am informed that while there is an application on hands for naturalisation of family members, no valid naturalisation application has been received from the person concerned.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the likely residency status in the case of a person who has worked in this jurisdiction continuously for the past four years but was recently made redundant; if in such a case, a stamp four or other long-term residency status will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21309/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the residence status of a foreign national can only be considered by reference to the particular circumstances of the case. It is not therefore possible to give an indication of the likely residence status which would be granted without reference to the particular circumstances of the individual concerned.

However, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the administrative arrangements that have been put in place to address the situation whereby employment permit holders have been made redundant. These administrative arrangements "New provisions for Non-EEA workers who are made redundant" are available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie). Further information on the operation of these arrangements is also available on the website of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (www.entemp.ie).

In general, a person who has been living and working legally in the State for less than 5 years on the basis of an employment permit and who has been made redundant may be granted a six month grace period during which time they can seek to find another employer. The labour market needs test will not be required in respect of employment permit applications made on foot of these arrangements. The administrative arrangements also include special provision for those who have been working for 5 years with an employment permit whereby such persons may be exempted from the requirement to hold an employment permit and may be granted a stamp 4 permission.

Applications for long term residency are considered in respect of persons who have resided legally (as per endorsements in passport) for a period of 60 months or longer on the basis of Work Permit, Work Authorisation, or Working Visa conditions. An exemption from Work Permit requirements is considered at the same time. However, if the Deputy has a specific case in mind and wishes to furnish the particulars, officials in the Immigration Division of my Department will be happy to advise.

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