Vol. 491 No. 2
74 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether information in relation to rights under Irish and international law is available to asylum seekers and potential asylum seekers at their point of entry into the State; the format and languages this information is available in; and the plans, if any, he has to improve the information provided in this regard. [11500/98]
An information leaflet on the asylum process is available to asylum seekers at all ports of entry to the State. I would point out, however, that in the past two years 95 per cent of all applicants for refugee status applied directly to my Department and not at their point of entry into the State.
All applicants for refugee status are given an information leaflet, which briefly outlines the asylum process. Where possible this leaflet is in a language that the applicants understand. The leaflet is currently available in ten languages Albanian, Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbo-Croat, Spanish and Turkish.
This leaflet is being reviewed at present with a view to providing applicants with more comprehensive information. The number of languages in which it will be available is also being examined.
