John McGuinness
Question:173 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) has been re-admitted into the asylum process. [3692/02]
Vol. 547 No. 4
173 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) has been re-admitted into the asylum process. [3692/02]
I am informed that this applicant was readmitted to the asylum process on 1 February 2002 and that his case is being referred to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for consideration.
174 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a submission, made by the Tramore refugee and asylum seekers support group, will be considered as part of the appeal of a person (details supplied); the status of this application; and the timeframe for the appeal. [3693/02]
Under the Refugee Act, 1996, two independent statutory offices were established to consider applications-appeals for refugee status and make recommendations to the Minister on whether such status should be granted.
These two offices are the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, which considers applications for a declaration as a refugee at first instance and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which considers applications for a declaration at appeal stage.
I understand that the person concerned has lodged judicial review proceedings against the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this case until the judicial review is determined.
175 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances under which observers are permitted to attend interviews with applicants for refugee status; his views on a submission made by the Tramore refugee and asylum seekers support group for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3694/02]
The primary role of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner is to investigate each application made for a declaration of refugee status in accordance with the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended.
176 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for asylum by a person (details supplied). [3695/02]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 136 of 31 January last in relation to the asylum application of this person. I am informed that a translation of a document relevant to this case is currently awaited and I expect the file to be submitted to me for decision very shortly once this is received.