Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding visas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36531/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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There is already a scheme in place to grant long term residence without condition as to time (immigration Stamp 5) to persons in certain categories who have been residing legally in Ireland for 8 or more years. This would apply to workers with an existing Stamp 1 permission as a work permit holder. It also covers the lawfully resident spouses of such persons. There is no general plan to grant students with over 8 years residence either a stamp 4 or Stamp 5 status. That does not however prevent individual cases being examined on their merits. If the circumstances warrant it the issue of a stamp 4 may be possible in limited circumstances.