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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 4

Written Answers - Refugee Legal Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

55 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties faced by the Irish Refugee Council; if he will provide funding to allow its work to continue in view of the important service the council provides for asylum seekers; the number of asylum seekers deported to date in 1998; the system of independent legal advice available to those served with deportation orders, having regard to the failure of the Government to establish the long promised independent refugee legal service; if he has received the report of the senior official of his Department who was asked to investigate all the circumstances of the serving of a deportation order on persons (details supplied) and their arrest and detention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25082/98]

During the period 1 January to 30 September 1997, my Department provided financial assistance to the Irish Refugee Council for a legal project which provided advice to asylum seekers at the first stage of the asylum process. The Irish Refugee Council withdrew from the scheme with effect from the 1 October 1997.

I understand that the Irish Refugee Council has appointed an independent consultant to carry out a strategy review of the council and to identify the unique focus which is appropriate to its future work. I further understand that the Irish Refugee Council hopes to have the full report by the end of the month.

An application for funding based on the preliminary findings of the review has been submitted to my Department. However, having regard to the extremely preliminary nature of the findings, I think it would be premature to consider the application pending completion of that review.

A total of 12 failed asylum seekers have been deported between January and end October 1998. In addition, 22 persons have been removed under the Dublin Convention.

The refugee legal service will provide a comprehensive legal service, including legal advice and legal aid, for asylum seekers. The new legal services will also be available in the courts in relation to asylum applications and other matters.
I expect to receive a report on the deportation case to which you refer in the near future.
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