Seán Haughey
Question:625 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the exact entitlements in respect of legal services of refugees and asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13790/02]
Written Answers. - Legal Aid Services.
The Legal Aid Board administers civil legal aid under the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995, and regulations made thereunder. This Act allows for the provision of legal aid and legal advice in civil cases to persons who satisfy the financial eligibility and merits criteria laid down in the Act and regulations. The Act also provides for dissemination of information in relation to its services and their availability. Each application for legal aid is considered in accordance with the terms of the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995, and regulations made thereunder.
Both refugees and asylum seekers, who satisfy the financial eligibility and merits test laid down in the 1995 Act and regulations made thereunder, will qualify for legal aid in Ireland.
The Refugee Legal Service, RLS, was established by the board in 1999 to provide legal advice and assistance at all stages of the asylum process to persons applying for asylum in Ireland. Legal advice is available from the RLS for: the initial completion of the asylum application questionnaire; preparation for the initial interview; attendance at the interview, if the Legal Aid Board considers that attendance is required; review of the interview notes after the interview; making of post interview submissions within the seven day time limit; advising an applicant of the decision at first instance and of the options open to the applicant.
Legal aid is provided to applicants in relation to the lodgement of appeals before the Refugee Appeals Tribunal against a recommendation of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner to refuse status. Legal advice is also provided in appropriate cases on immigration matters. Where refugee status is refused, assistance is provided generally in the submission of applications pursuant to the Immigration Act, 1999, and matters arising therefrom. Assistance is also provided in relation to deportation orders and judicial review proceedings.