Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 1

Written Answers. - Refugee Status.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

71 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's views on the decision of EU member states including Britain, Denmark, Norway and Sweden to freeze decisions on Iraqi refugee claims; the Government's views on the decision of the American Government to mandate the detention of Iraqi refugee claimants and refugee claimants from 33 other unnamed countries at port of entry; if the Government is considering the adoption of similar policies; and if not, the provisions being made for receiving refugees from Iraq here. [9901/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The refugee policy of Britain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the US is a matter for those Governments. I do not consider it would be appropriate for me to comment on the refugee policies of individual states. As regards the Irish refugee process, the Minister with responsibility for this area is the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. He has informed me that the processing of asylum applications from Iraqi nationals has been suspended by the office of the refugee applications commissioner since 28 March 2003. This suspension is in accordance with advice received from the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in respect of the rapidly evolving circumstances in Iraq. Consideration of appeals has also been suspended by the office of the refugee appeals tribunal from the same date and for the same reason. The matter is being kept under constant review by both offices.

While the processing of Iraqi asylum applications has been suspended, I understand that new applications from asylum applicants, including Iraqi nationals, entering the country on their own initiative continue to be accepted in accordance with the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996. The accommodation and other needs of all asylum applicants and programme refugees will continue to be met by the reception and integration agency which has responsibility for such matters. As regards the detention of asylum applicants, the grounds on which an applicant for asylum may be detained are set out in section 9(8) of the Refugee Act.