Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2007
230 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on raising the limit on the number of programme refugees received per annum which stands at 200 (details supplied). [11639/07]
View answer231 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government has received a request to raise the limit on the number of programme refugees received per annum. [11640/07]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
Ireland is one of 8 European countries that participates in a programme which resettles refugees on humanitarian grounds in co-operation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In 2005, I increased the quota from 10 cases (approximately 40 persons) per annum to 200 persons to be implemented on a phased basis over 3 years. Admissions for 2005 and 2006 were 116 and 198 persons respectively. The UNHCR have been advised that Ireland will accept the full quota of 200 refugees for 2007.
I have no plans for a further increase in the resettlement quota at this time but my Department is in regular contact with the UNHCR regarding ongoing developments in this area.
