Written Answers. - Operation of Aliens Division.
John Connor
Question:
26
Mr. Connor
asked the
Minister for Justice
her views on the operations of the Aliens Section of her Department; and the steps, if any, she intends to take to make the section more amenable to giving information on foot of reasonable requests.
There is probably no such thing as an administrative system which is beyond reproach or incapable of being improved. The underlying purpose and practices followed in all systems need to be kept under review and one of the first things I did when I became Minister for Justice was to look at the operation of the Aliens Division as it is an area my Department which has constant and very extensive interface with the public.
The overall objective of the division is to implement the statutory system of procedures relating to non-nationals in an efficient, speedy and courteous manner. With a view to achieving this objective, I have been reviewing the work procedures and management systems within the division. This review has identified certain areas where improvements are called for. I might mention, by way of example, the need to provide the public with more information on visas, naturalisations, registration requirements and so on. I plan to have information leaflets on those matters prepared and to have them available for distribution in the near future.
Apart from dissemination of information on the matters I have just mentioned, the review will also embrace such matters as staff training, computerisation and management control systems as well as examining the liaison arrangements between my Department and the Garda authorities with regard to the operation of procedures concerning admission and residence. In a nutshell, I want this division, which is extremely busy and deals with a large number of people day-in-day-out, to be as user friendly as we can possibly make it. I am glad to say that the staff of the division share my enthusiasm for progress.
On a broader level, the Deputy will be aware that I have established an interdepartmental committee of senior officials comprising representatives from my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Enterprise and Employment. The committee is examining current practice and policy in relation to non-Irish nationals and will make recommendations as are necessary for the development of a system for the treatment of non-Irish nationals which is consistent and transparent. Submissions have been sought from agencies and individuals who believe they have a contribution to make to this examination. I am also engaged in a review of the laws in this area and will announce any plans for legislation as soon as possible in the usual way.
Finally, if the Deputy requires information concerning a particular case, then, to the extent that it is possible for me to provide information about it, I shall be glad to do so on receipt of a letter from him.
