De Facto process shambles - rejected as not in country?

We just got a rejection letter as my Kiwi partner (I'm Irish citizen) is "not currently residing in Ireland under another permission". Whats confusing here is we were told by the NZ embassy she didnt need to be in Ireland. On top of this, INIS's own website says she does not have to be in Ireland:

http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/De ... applicants

4: The Applicant and the Sponsor must currently live in Ireland or they intend coming to live in Ireland.

We made it super clear we were planning to come to Ireland based on the above guideline from INIS's own guidelines.

So what are we missing here? We would love to just ask INIS but they have disabled all their phones and their proxies in the Embassies dont know the process well enough to give good info.

I think guidance 11 says the applicant should be in the state.


INIS will process application for this type of permission from Applicants who have a genuine relationship with an Irish national or an Irish Resident (the Sponsor) if the Applicant has current permission to be in the State on some other basis e.g. if the applicant is currently on a stamp 1,2 or 3 or if the Applicant is in the State on visitor’s conditions (not visa required nationals).

Are you currently residing in Ireland?
It may be best for her to apply long stay visa (D) and join you

No, we aren't in Ireland but planning to return to Ireland.. something the overnment is heavily promoting.