Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 655: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the situation facing a person (details supplied) whose student visa expired earlier this month; the steps they can take to extend their visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26422/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the new immigration regime for full time non-EEA students has been in operation since 1 January 2011. Under this regime I have introduced maximum periods of residence in the State on foot of a student permission and introduced a differentiated approach as between "Degree Programme" courses and those at the "Language or Non Degree Programme" level.

In relation to the case referred to by the Deputy, it is not possible to give a definitive answer because each student's options can depend on their immigration history (for instance the number of years they have been in Ireland and the courses they have pursued). It will be necessary for my officials to look in more detail at what course was pursued by this person before a decision can be made with regard to extending her student permission in the State.

I have been informed that an application was received in General Immigration Division on 10 April 2012 from the person mentioned by the Deputy requesting permission to remain in the State as the Defacto partner of an Irish citizen. Correspondence issued to the applicant on 15 May 2012 seeking documentary evidence to support this application. To date no reply has been received. When the documents are received, this application will be processed and a decision will issue shortly thereafter.

Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.