Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 4

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

Richard Bruton

Question:

150 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who apply for asylum cannot open bank accounts here or undertake other basic activities for want of adequate identity due to his Department's photo identity card issued to refugees explicitly stating that it is not an identification; and if he will change this arrangement. [14029/99]

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

My Department is not in a position to verify the identity of applicants. The Department's photo identity card is not intended as an authoritative identification. It is a means of identifying applicants who have applied for asylum and who are registered accordingly. The issue of bank requirements concerning identity is a matter for the bank.