Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers.

Ivor Callely

Question:

377 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the recent Eastern Health Board report on services for asylum seekers of 23 October 1997 has been brought to his attention; if he will clarify the position regarding the fact that it is national policy not to make inquiries in the country of origin regarding asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21115/97]

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

I have not been supplied with a copy of the report in question but have seen newspaper reports which describe it as an internal report, discussed by a programme committee of the board.

In so far as the second part of the Deputy's question is concerned, the position is that we do not inquire of countries of origin about individual asylum seekers — this would be contrary to the assurance given to asylum seekers that their cases will be dealt with in confidence. However, it is a most important part of the determination process that the situation in the countries of origin of asylum seekers is researched and taken into account. For this purpose information is obtained frominter alia, the UNHCR, our own Department of Foreign Affairs, Amnesty International reports and other EU member states etc.

Ivor Callely

Question:

380 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason his Department has recently taken a number of steps to tighten up on the issue of identity cards; the reason there has been a reissue to all asylum seekers with new cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21119/97]

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

All asylum seekers are issued with ID cards. These cards are produced by them in any dealings they may have with my Department and with other Government Departments and agencies. The validity of the majority of ID cards held by asylum seekers expired on 30 September, 1997 and they had to be renewed.

As it was necessary to have access to the Department's files on the asylum seekers to enable new cards to be issued, it was decided to reissue ID cards on Saturday, 4 October, and Saturday, 11 October. Over the two days set aside for the reissue of identification cards 1,450 people approximately turned up. In all, about 1,900 new cards were issued over the two week period commencing 4 October.