Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 3

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

Michael Bell

Question:

43 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent call by the Catholic bishops committee on asylum seekers and refugees for the regularisation of the position of certain asylum seekers whose cases had not yet been determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15421/00]

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

The bishops' committee on asylum seekers and refugees issued a statement on 26 April 2000 which, inter alia, called for the granting of refugee status on a block basis to all persons who applied for asylum by a given date and whose applications have not yet been determined.

There has been a significant increase in applications for asylum in Ireland in recent years. Compared to some 4,626 applications for 1998 there were 7,724 applications in 1999. So far this year some 4,582 applications have been received up to 29 May 2000. For the first quarter of 2000, some international statistics place Ireland second within the EU for asylum applications received as a proportion of total population.

While I fully appreciate the concerns expressed by the bishops in their statement, I would point out that what is, in effect, being called for is an amnesty for the asylum seekers concerned. For a number of reasons, I would not support this proposal.

The question of a possible amnesty here was considered in 1998 by the interdepartmental committee on immigration, asylum and related issues. Having taken into account all necessary factors, the committee recommended that an amnesty should not be introduced as to do so could have an adverse impact on the integrity of the asylum processing system.

The most effective way of dealing fairly and humanely with asylum seekers here is to establish a coherent framework within which they will have their applications processed speedily and in accordance with the best international practice, and to integrate those persons granted refugee status fully into Irish society. My Department has made significant progress in this regard and it is considered that the introduction of an amnesty would undermine this progress and, indeed, send out the wrong signals especially to those who are engaged in the trafficking of persons.

The number of asylum applicants in the State who meet refugee criteria, as laid down by the Geneva Convention 1951, is quite small. Approximately 25% of applications are found to be entitled to refugee status having completed the application process, including those cases adjudicated upon by the independent appeals authorities. Thus an amnesty, if introduced, would mainly benefit a large number of applicants who would not normally be entitled to refugee status.

Finally, I am satisfied that Ireland fulfils its international obligations to those seeking asylum. These obligations are a reflection of our humanitarian concern that persons suffering persecution, and in need of protection when they reach our shores, will receive that protection.