387 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the visa application of a person (details supplied); and if he accepts responsibility for the loss of a passport sent to his Department by registered post on 19 March 2008 by the person’s legal representative. [32242/08]

The person referred to made an application for residence in the State on the basis of his marriage to an Irish national. The application is currently under consideration and the Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department will contact the person in question shortly. My Department has accepted responsibility for the loss of the passport in question which was sent by registered post on 19 March 2008. Correspondence has issued to the person concerned on 25 September 2008 in this regard.