John Perry
Question:506 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made on an application for refugee status by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7250/03]
Written Answers - Refugee Status.
The persons concerned arrived in the State on the 27 July 2000 and claimed asylum. Their claims for refugee status were refused by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on the 3 September 2001 and they were notified of the decisions on the 28 September 2001. The applicants appealed the decisions on the 18 October 2001. The Refugee Appeals Tribunal affirmed the decisions of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the persons concerned were notified of this decision on the 22 March 2002.
In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the persons concerned were informed on the 12 April 2002 that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in their case. They were given the alternatives of either making representations within 15 working days setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, leaving the State before the orders were made or consenting to the making of deportation orders. Representations were received as to why the persons concerned should be allowed remain in the State. Their case file is currently with me and I expect to make a decision in this matter shortly.