Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 5

Written Answers. - Refugee Legal Services.

Derek McDowell

Question:

14 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has for the provision of legal aid for asylum seekers in view of the abandonment in September 1998 of the tender process to provide a refugee legal service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3050/99]

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

Following consultations with the Legal Aid Board, agreement was reached on arrangements for the provision of a comprehensive legal service for asylum seekers. The new refugee legal service will assist asylum seekers in exercising their legal rights in all aspects of the asylum procedure. It will be an independent comprehensive service which will provide legal advice and representation for asylum seekers.

As part of the service, the Legal Aid Board will arrange for translation services to be made available on a contract basis. The board will also be responsible for setting up and managing a facility to provide up-to-date background information on countries of origin.

The new legal service will be based at the one-stop-shop for asylum seekers in Lower Mount Street. It is my intention that it will be available by the end of February. The staff for the service will be provided from the existing staff of the board and new staff to be recruited specially. The recruitment process is ongoing and arrangements have been made for initial training to take place for all staff involved in the provision of this service.

The refugee legal service will be ring-fenced in terms of funding and resources from the existing law centre service and will not interfere with the existing commitments of the Legal Aid Board.