Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1008 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 was arrested; the reason he was permitted no contact with his partner or solicitor; if efforts were made to deport him on 3 January 2001; if Aer Lingus staff refused to co-operate due to his distressed condition; if he was deported on 4 January 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1245/01]

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

The person referred to by the Deputy arrived in the State on 4 April 1998 and applied for asylum the next day. He was scheduled to be interviewed on 13 July 1998 but he did not attend. He contacted the Department again on 26 November 1998 and was interviewed on 22 January 1999. His application was refused and a letter to this effect issued on 30 June 1999. He did not avail of an opportunity to appeal this decision. On 16 November 1999 he was requested to present himself to the garda in charge, Immigration Registration Office, Harcourt Square, on 25 November 1999 to enable his deportation to take place, but he failed to keep this appointment. Failure to present oneself at a particular time and place for the purpose of giving effect to a deportation order renders a person liable to arrest and detention under the provisions of section 5 of the Immigration Act, 1999.

The person referred to was arrested at 8.10 p.m. on 2 January 2001 under the provisions of section 5 of the Immigration Act, 1999, and was lodged into custody at the training unit, Glengariff Parade, Dublin 7. His girlfriend, who was present at the time of the arrest was informed of the custody arrangements. It has been confirmed by the authorities at the training unit that for the duration of the time that the person referred to was held in custody, telephone access was afforded to him. However, he did not ask to avail of this facility. Furthermore, at no stage did the person referred to make a request to the gardaí with whom he was in contact to have a solicitor or any other person contacted on his behalf.

It is my understanding that arrangements were put in place to deport the individual concerned on 3 January 2001 but that Aer Lingus refused to permit him to board the aircraft due to his violent behaviour. I can confirm that the person referred to was deported on 4 January 2001.