Gay Mitchell
Question:178 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who is an asylum seeker in view of the circumstances. [11153/00]
Written Answers. - Work Permits.
As previously stated in my reply to Question No. 502, Ref. 8125/00 of 21 March 2000 under the terms of the Government decision of 26 July 1999 the person in question is ineligible to work as he has not been compliant with his obligations as an asylum seeker. These obligations are clearly set out in the information leaflet for applicants for refugee status in Ireland and the procedures for processing asylum claims in Ireland, which are notified to the UNHCR, and which are issued to all asylum seekers, where possible in his-her own language. Each applicant is informed that he must make his address known to the Department and is given change of address forms to enable him to do so.
Two letters were issued to the applicant by my Department. The first letter issued to the address given on his questionnaire, inviting him to attend for interview. The applicant failed to respond to the letter or attend for interview. Following an address check with the Eastern Health Board it was ascertained that the applicant had moved address and a second letter was issued inviting him to attend for interview. Again, the applicant failed to respond or to attend for interview. Both letters were sent to the applicant by registered post.
Due to the facts outlined above, the applicant is not eligible to seek employment.