Vol. 555 No. 5
362 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the residency application of a person (details supplied); his views on whether, in view of the situation in Sierra Leone, this person would be in danger if they returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19287/02]
The person referred to and her family arrived in the State on 15 August 2000 and claimed asylum on that date. A recommendation that her claim for refugee status should be refused issued in September of 2001 after she attended for interview at the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, having failed to attend on two previous occasions. She subsequently appealed this recommendation and following a hearing on 20 August 2002, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal affirmed the recommendation.
On 26 September 2002 I informed the person and her child that I had refused to give them a declaration as refugees for the reasons set out in the recommendation of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and that I proposed to make deportation orders in respect of herself and her child. She was given the alternatives of either making representations for leave to remain within 15 working days, leave the State before these orders were made or consent to the making of deportation orders in respect of herself and her child. I understand that the case file of the person and her child is due to be submitted to me for a decision in the near future. The overall situation in Sierra Leone has improved in the past six months following the introduction of a general ceasefire. However, the issue of refoulement will be fully considered in this case.
