Michael D. Higgins
Question:342 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the grounds for the refusal of the asylum application of a person (details supplied). [14461/02]
Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.
It would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual applications for asylum. Under the Refugee Act, 1996, two independent statutory offices were established to consider applications for refugee status and make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. These two offices are the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, ORAC, which considers applications for a declaration as a refugee at first instance and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which considers applications for a declaration at appeal stage.
Consideration of all claims for asylum entails a detailed investigation by the ORAC of the basis on which refugee status is being claimed and there is also provision made for an interview and for making further representations after that interview. There is also an opportunity under the 1996 Act to appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Finally, asylum applicants have access to legal advice for the purpose of pursuing their applications. Where the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, following detailed investigation of a claim for asylum, determine that refugee status should not be granted, the applicant concerned is provided with reasons for the determination.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:343 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the grounds for the refusal of the asylum application of a person (details supplied). [14462/02]
It would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual applications for asylum. Under the Refugee Act, 1996, two independent statutory offices were established to consider applications for refugee status and make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
These two offices are the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, ORAC, which considers applications for a declaration as a refugee at first instance and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which considers applications for a declaration at appeal stage. Consideration of all claims for asylum entails a detailed investigation by the ORAC of the basis on which refugee status is being claimed and there is also provision made for an interview and for making further representations after that interview. There is also an opportunity under the 1996 Act to appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Finally, asylum applicants have access to legal advice for the purpose of pursuing their applications. Where the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, following detailed investigation of a claim for asylum, determine that refugee status should not be granted, the applicant concerned is provided with reasons for the determination.