Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 5

Written Answers - Refugee Legal Service.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

50 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken to ensure that the Refugee Legal Service will be provided with sufficient staff and resources to provide all required legal services without interruption to asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11014/01]

Billy Timmins

Question:

65 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that asylum seekers have access to free legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11102/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 65 together.

I can inform the Deputy that I have provided the Legal Aid Board with a budget of £7.9 million in 2001 for the Refugee Legal Service. The allocation of this amount to the board is to ensure that it can provide asylum seekers with legal services at all stages of the asylum process, including initial interview, post interview submissions, appeals, applications for leave to remain, deportation orders and judicial reviews.

I am informed that the Refugee Legal Service was unable to provide a full range of services for a short period recently. I am informed that this was due to difficulties which the board experienced in relation to the recruitment of staff and the fitting out of accommodation. However, I understand, that additional staff have been recruited and that suitable accommodation for the Refugee Legal Service has now been fitted out.

In addition, I would also like to inform the Deputy that a scheme has been introduced, whereby the services of private barristers and private solicitors are made available by the board to asylum seekers. I understand that the full range of services has recommenced and that all relevant refugee support agencies have been informed of this fact.