Róisín Shortall
Question:17 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the results of any talks his Department had with Kosovo refugees and their representatives. [22351/00]
Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.
Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, held a meeting on 9 May 2000 with a group of Kosovar refugees. The object of that meeting was to address their concerns regarding their future status in Ireland. Since then a number of developments have occurred.
On 18 July 2000, the Government agreed to continue temporary protection for Kosovars evacuated to Ireland last year for a further period up to the end of June 2001. It also approved the payment of a re-establishment grant of £5,000, per single adult, £10,000 per couple and £2,000 for each dependent child to those who repatriated before the end of September 2000
There was a high uptake of the offer and 715 refugees have already returned home to begin the process of rebuilding their homes and their lives in Kosovo. Another 137 Kosovars have decided not to return at this time.
Those who wish to extend their leave to remain beyond June 2001 will be able to apply to an ad hoc sub-committee being established for that purpose within the refugee agency. A report on the circumstances of each family will be prepared for consideration and decision by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.