Vol. 577 No. 5
174 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a determination will be made in the asylum application of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and his views on whether four and a half years is an inordinate length of time to await a decision. [31738/03]
The person referred to entered the State on 21 February 1999 and claimed asylum. His application was refused on 20 April 2000. He appealed the decision to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which informed him on 25 June 2001 that it had affirmed the original decision.
In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the applicant was informed on 27 July 2001 that it was proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the following options: to make written representations within 15 working days to the Minister setting out reasons he should not be deported and allowed to remain temporarily in the State; to voluntarily leave the State; or to consent to deportation.
Several representations were made on his behalf giving reasons he should not be deported. The last representation was received in September 2002. Recently his wife was issued with a similar letter under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. She was given the same options as indicated above. Upon receipt of her response in the matter, both cases will be considered in tandem and they will be informed of my decisions accordingly.
