Vol. 519 No. 2
290 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis for withdrawing the entitlement to work, even where a work permit has been issued, in a case where a refusal of refugee status is being challenged under the judicial review procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/00]
The right to work for asylum seekers is based on the Government decision of 26 July 1999 which allowed asylum seekers to seek employment once they had applied before that date, had been 12 months without a final determination in relation to his-her asylum application and had been compliant with their obligations in the asylum process. On 14 December 1999 the Government dispensed with the require ment for work permits for asylum seekers eligible under the previous decision of 26 July.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to a specific case. In that specific case the applicant has completed the asylum process and has challenged his deportation by judicial review in the High Court. He is no longer covered by the aforementioned Government decisions. Accordingly, the issue of withdrawal of the entitlement to work does not arise.
I understand that the person referred to in the Deputy's question received a work permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment late last year. At that stage, the person was not entitled to work in the state. A request to renew the permit earlier this year was not granted, as the requirement for a work permit had been abolished and he was not issued with a letter of permission to work as he was not entitled to same.
