asked the Minister for Justice at what level applicants for political asylum are dealt with when seeking such facilities in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Applications for Political Asylum.
116.
Under the Aliens Order, 1946, an alien may be refused leave to land by an Immigration Officer. In practice, applications for admission by persons who claim political asylum are never rejected by Immigration Officers without referring the matter to my Department even when the question arises at night or otherwise outside normal office hours. The Deputy will appreciate that I am answerable for all decisions on questions submitted to my Department and that it is not the practice to disclose details of internal Departmental administration. But without departing from that practice, I should like to assure the House that I am fully alive to the importance of a decision of this kind and that the arrangements are adequate to ensure that every application receives full and responsible examination.
If an application for political asylum is made, may I take it that it is not refused without the Minister's personal cognisance of all the facts?
As I have said, I am not prepared to give information of that sort because, in fact, that would be revealing the internal administration of the Department. I repeat the assurance I have given: Any application of importance receives the fullest and most responsible consideration.
Question No. 117.
Mr. Ryan
Question No. 117, for the benefit of Deputy Ó Briain. Tá sé imithe!