Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality at what point are motoring offences disregarded with respect to applications for residency status; if he will outline if motoring offences are disregarded after a certain amount of time or are they always taken into consideration; if such offences will prohibit a person from long term residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38095/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the granting of Long Term Residency is subject to an applicant meeting a number of requirements including that he or she has completed five years legal residency in the State on work permit / work authorisation / working visa conditions and is deemed to be of good character.

In relation to the good character requirement, a background check is carried out by the Garda National Immigration Bureau in respect of all applicants. Where an applicant has come to the attention of the Gardaí, a report is referred to INIS, and the details of that report are considered in full, together with all other aspects of the case, before a final determination is made. Each case is considered on its individual merits and while it is neither possible or appropriate given the wide range of possibilities to be more specific, normally a very minor motoring offence of itself would not lead to a refusal on character grounds. Full details of the eligibility criteria for the Long Term Residency scheme can be found on www.inis.gov.ie.