Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Asylum Law.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

46 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his reaction to proposals published by the Austrian Presidency of the EU regarding modifications to asylum law; if he will give details of any discussions held at European level regarding the processing of asylum applications in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20270/98]

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

The position is that the paper in question, which has been tabled by the Austrian EU Presidency is at a preliminary stage of consideration in the EU Council framework.

Following the initial preliminary consideration of the paper, the Austrian Persidency agreed to revise it to take account of the views expressed by the member states. As the revised paper has only recently been received, it is still under consideration in my Department. However, I can reassure the Deputy that in considering any modifications to asylum law my priority is to ensure that persons genuinely in need of international protection will receive it.

In relation to discussions at European level regarding the processing of asylum applications in Ireland, the position is that the issue of asylum seekers and refugees is regularly discussed at both ministerial level and working group level in the EU Council framework. Consultations take place regularly with colleagues in Europe on asylum and refugee matters and we will continue to co-operate with our partners in this regard.