Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 1

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

Liz McManus

Question:

322 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the change, if any, in the treatment of asylum seekers whose child is born here; the change, if any, in the practice of issuing residency permits and green books to these parents, particularly as their child is entitled to Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26540/98]

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

All applications for asylum continue to be processed in the normal way, unless they are withdrawn.

My Department has on hands a number of applications from asylum seekers for permission to remain in the State on the basis of having an Irish child. These applications are under consideration at present and I hope to be able to make decisions on them by early next year.