Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

401 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the issuing of vouchers instead of direct payments to asylum seekers is discriminatory, inhumane and economically unsound; if he will end the administrative backlog; and if he will employ additional interpreters to alleviate the stress and delays being experienced by asylum seekers. [3430/00]

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

A system of direct provision will for the most part represent a cashless system with the State assuming responsibility for funding suitable accommodation, for providing health and education services and other essential needs. Genuine asylum seekers who are actually fleeing persecution will, I believe, welcome this service and are unlikely to view it as a diminution in the quality of the services provided by the State, given that one of its purposes is to prevent fraud, and as a result lead to a more speedy identification of those who are in need of the State's protection.

The introduction of direct provision in this State will simply bring us into line with other member states. It is widely accepted that a harmonised approach to asylum matters is by far the best approach and in introducing this system I am satisfied that it will represent a fair and effective means of meeting the basic needs of our asylum population. In addition the decision of the UK to move to a system of direct provision on 1 April 2000 must be taken into account. Given that we maintain a common travel area with the UK which is of enormous value and relevance to the island of Ireland and Irish people generally, a decision of this character by the UK has to be taken into consideration very seriously by any Irish Government.

The Government decided on 9 November 1999 to establish a central directorate to deal with matters relating to the dispersal of asylum seekers throughout the country and preparations of plans for a system of direct provision of housing, health needs, etc. The directorate is currently examining various options that might be available to meet asylum seekers needs by a method other than full cash payments; the use of vouchers is one option being considered.

In response to the accommodation shortage in the Dublin area, some asylum seekers are currently being provided for on a full board basis, with a reduced personal allowance, at locations throughout the country.

I will shortly bring before the Government proposals outlining the strategy for the dispersal of asylum seekers and for meeting their needs through direct provision.

The unprecedented number of asylum applications in the latter half of 1999 inevitably placed intense pressure on the asylum services in the State. However, I have taken steps to deal with this increasing number. These include the allocation of additional staff resources, maximising the use of accelerated procedures and increasing the number of appeals authorities. I have also brought forward amendments to the Refugee Act, 1996, to make that act workable and it is my intention to implement it in full very shortly. Applications have been invited for the post of refugee applications commissioner and the com petition for the position of chairperson of the refugee appeals tribunal will commence in the coming weeks. If additional resources are required in due course, I will provide them.

The appointment of additional interpreters is not the key issue to clearing the administrative backlog or to delays being experienced by asylum seekers. The assignment of the additional staff approved by Government together with the maximum use of accelerated procedures to deal with cases speedily which are manifestly well-founded and manifestly unfounded at an early stage will ensure that a person who is likely to succeed in the asylum process gets the benefit of refugee status as soon as possible without being unnecessarily delayed in the backlog.

My Department has always provided and continues to provide interpretation facilities so that where necessary an asylum seeker does not have to present his or her case without the benefit of an interpreter. Interpreters involved in the asylum application process receive training, which is conducted primarily by the UNHCR and which outlines the role of the interpreter/translator and highlights the sensitive and confidential nature of dealing with asylum applicants. Interpreters are aware of their role – an interpreter is a conduit of information without being participative. My Department will continue to monitor the service provided by interpreters and will take whatever steps that may be necessary to continue to provide an effective service to those who may require it.

Seán Haughey

Question:

402 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consideration, if any, given by the repatriation unit in the immigration division to representations made by TDs to prevent deportations; the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) to remain in the country on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3463/00]

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

Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, requires that, in determining whether to make a deportation order in relation to a person, I shall have regard to a number of matters including humanitarian considerations and any representations duly made by or on behalf of the person.

The person referred to arrived in the State in January 1997 and claimed political asylum. His application was refused in October 1998 and this decision was upheld by the Appeals Authority in May 1999. An application for humanitarian leave to remain in the State was submitted in May 1999 and, since this predated the implementation of the Immigration Act, 1999, the person referred to was given the opportunity to make further representations or submit any new information which would assist him in his application for leave to remain. I understand that further represen tations have been received recently and these are under consideration at present.

When a decision has been reached in this case, I will advise the Deputy and the person referred to of the outcome.