Question:
165 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for asylum received for each month of 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25320/98]
Written Answers - Asylum Applications.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
Monthly Breakdown 1998
|
Jan. |
Feb. |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
Sept. |
Oct. |
|
|
Number of applications |
321 |
425 |
632 |
407 |
390 |
440 |
449 |
407 |
313 |
246 |
Question:
166 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that his Department has sufficient information available to it to make accurate decisions on applications for asylum; the information resources available to his Department for each country of origin of asylum applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25321/98]
As the situation in the country of origin of asylum seekers is a most important factor in the determination process, it is essential that such information is researched in detail. For this purpose, my Department obtains information from, inter alia, the UNHCR, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Amnesty International reports, the media, the Internet and other EU member states.
A research and documentation centre is in the process of being set up by the UNHCR in the refugee application centre in 79-83 Lower Mount Street. Although the refugee applications centre is not yet formally opened, my asylum division has operated there since 12 October 1998. The research and documentation centre, which will be initially supervised by UNHCR, will provide legal and reference material which will be accessible both to my Department and representatives of asylum seekers in the refugee determination process.