Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
282 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for residency status by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20940/04]
View answerThe person concerned, a Nigerian national, arrived in the State on 10 December 1998 and applied for asylum. His claim for refugee status was considered under the process then applicable and was refused. The applicant then appealed this decision to the then appeals authority which affirmed the refusal.
In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was informed on 14 November 2000 that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was, in accordance with the Act, given the options of making representations within 15 working days setting out the reasons he should not be deported: that is, be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before the order was made; or consenting to the making of the deportation order.
Representations setting out the reasons he should not be deported were received and I expect the case file in this matter to be submitted to me shortly for decision. This decision will be taken after consideration of a number of factors which are specified in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. These factors include considerations relating to the common good, the person's individual family and domestic circumstances and humanitarian considerations. Consideration will also be given to the prohibition on refoulement which is contained in section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended. The person concerned will be notified of my decision as soon as possible.
