Róisín Shortall
Question:129 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current number of applications for asylum which are awaiting a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15978/97]
Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.
The information sought by the Deputy as at 30 September 1997 is set out as follows:
Asylum Seekers 1994-1997
|
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 (30/9) |
Total |
|
|
Number of applications received |
362 |
424 |
1,179 |
2,992 |
4,957 |
|
Number of applications still awaiting a decision |
3 |
27 |
583 |
2,818 |
3,431 |
There were a further 162 applications at appeal stage.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 534 of 30 September 1997. In that reply I stated that "a significant backlog of cases are awaiting finalisation. Mechanisms for the clearance of this backlog are currently being examined in my Department and the UNHCR are being consulted in the matter".