197 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) were not granted visiting permits to attend the Calvary Christian Centre Bible College for two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10753/02]

The applications in question have been refused because it was not established on the basis of the documentation supplied to my Department, that the applicants had displayed sufficient evidence of their obligations to return home following their proposed college course. It is open to the applicants to appeal against the refusal of a visa by writing to the visa appeals officer in my Department together with additional supporting documentation.