Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 2

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

John Gormley

Ceist:

58 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reports that nearly 80 per cent of asylum seekers have some form of third level qualification; the plans, if any, his Department has in allowing those waiting for a decision in their case to take up employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11509/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

Yes, I have examined the newspaper article in question concerning a study, carried out by the Holy Spirit Congregation in association with UCD's public health department. The authors of the study have acknowledged that there are limitations relating to the relatively small sample size and the non-random manner in which it was achieved. In addition, they have stated that although it was acceptable for a pilot-phase study, findings cannot be generalised with any degree of statistical confidence to the general population of asylum seekers.

Asylum seekers are people seeking refugee status on the basis that they are escaping from persecution. Procedures are in place for assessing asylum applications which are examined in accordance with the criteria as set out in section 2 of the Refugee Act, 1996. Asylum seekers' third level qualifications are not taken into account in the assessment of their application for refugee status. Asylum seekers only have temporary permission to remain in the State pending the determination of their applications. The Refugee Act, actually provides that asylum applicants shall not seek or enter employment or carry on any business, trade or profession during the period before the final determination of their applications.

The skills shortages identified in our labour market at present is a separate issue. When applicants are granted refugee status, they are entitled to seek employment in the same manner as an Irish national. However, as the Deputy is aware, the issue of allowing asylum seekers the right to work is currently under consideration by the Government.