Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - Return of Refugees.

Ivan Yates

Question:

112 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will arrange to defer any decision to return Kosovar refugees from the Ursuline Convent in County Waterford, totalling approximately 150 persons, until such time as they are agreeable to return or until the economic development locally in Kosovo is such to facilitate to their return; if he will ensure that they are not deported back to Kosovo without proper regard to their personal circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18452/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

As I indicated in reply to a related question on 15 June, I fully favour a voluntary approach to returns. Kosovars wishing to return home now will be assisted financially by the Government to do so. The intention is to help them start the process of rebuilding their homes and their lives. I recognise that some of the Kosovars who were evacuated here last year may not feel able to return to Kosovo at the present time and I believe that it would be appropriate to allow them remain in Ireland for a further period. When the refugees came here last year, it was indicated to them that, if they wished, they could apply to extend their permission to remain beyond the initial period of one year granted to them. The particular circumstances of individual refugees or families will be given careful consideration in this regard. Proposals regarding the Kosovar programme are currently being elaborated and will be circulated to refugees when they become available.