Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 343: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency and other such entitlements a spouse of a newly naturalised citizen has if coming a non-EU country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32012/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is no automatic entitlement to entry or residence in the State for a non EEA national spouse on the basis of marriage to an Irish national. Visa required non EEA national spouses are subject to pre-entry clearance before travelling to the State and are required to apply for a visa on the basis of marriage to an Irish national.

Once in the State, a non EEA national spouse must attend the local Registration Office, Garda National Immigration Bureau to apply for residence status and he/she must be accompanied by their Irish national spouse at that time. A stamp 4 is normally granted to successful applications and this entitles a non EEA national spouse to reside in the State, work without the requirement of a work permit, operate a business without applying for business permission from my Department or study within the State without the requirement for further permission. Such permission is not granted automatically and cases which require further investigation are referred to my Department.