Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of migrant women with dependant immigration status who have experienced domestic violence and applied for independent status; and the number of these women who were granted independent status and were facilitated with access to the labour market or social welfare system. [37913/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that applications from non-EEA women in the situation outlined by the Deputy are dealt with on a case by case basis and independent status is granted where the known circumstances of the case warrant it. In considering the circumstances of each such application every effort is made to ensure that the most appropriate permission stamp is granted consistent with overall public policy and the requirement to ensure that the integrity of the immigration system is upheld.

I am advised that very few non-EEA women who have experienced domestic violence have applied to my Department for independent status. However, where applications were made and the persons concerned were able to substantiate their claim with third party reports an immigration status was granted which allowed them to access the labour force and to apply for State aid where required.