Nora Owen
Question:305 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12656/99]
Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have recently approved the application from the person referred to. Officials in the immigration and citizenship division of my Department have written to the person in recent days with regard to finalising the matter.
Richard Bruton
Question:306 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if asylum seekers appealing their case for refugee status are entitled to bring representatives they choose to plead their case. [12714/99]
Asylum seekers who appeal the decision to refuse them refugee status can avail of legal advice, assistance and representation in relation to their appeal by (a) making contact with the refugee legal service, which is an independent legal service funded by the State, or (b) engaging the services of a legal representative on a private basis.
Richard Bruton
Question:307 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant those awaiting the hearing of the asylum application the opportunity to have a work permit without having to establish that there is no other EU national capable of doing the job. [12715/99]
Asylum seekers have never been allowed to work in this jurisdiction. The question of allowing them to seek employment in certain circumstances is under examination.