Written answers
Thursday, 16 February 2017
Department of Justice and Equality
Visa Applications
Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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68. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to any particular difficulties experienced by citizens of Libya in obtaining and renewing visas for this State; and the rationale for the current operation of visa issuing and possible restrictions imposed on such citizens by this State. [7809/17]
Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that certain restrictions on consideration of Irish visa applications from residents of Libya have been in place since August, 2014 due to the political and security situation in Libya. In doing so, all relevant considerations including the ongoing security situation in Libya and the potential economic impact of the restrictions were taken into account.
There is provision for a small number of exceptions relating to the beef industry where applications may be accepted from persons who are known to and sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and/or An Bord Bia and who have a good travel history to Ireland, the UK or the Schengen countries. Certain applications in relation to the oil industry and which are supported by the internationally recognised Government in Libya are also considered.
The position continues to be kept under review by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department.
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