Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
577. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of potential asylum seekers who have been turned away from ports of entry over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33328/14]
View answerSection 8(1)(a) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) provides that a person who arrives at the frontiers of the State seeking asylum or the protection of the State against persecution or requesting not to be removed or returned to a particular country may apply to the Minister for a declaration of refugee status.
Any person who makes an asylum application at a port of entry must be given permission to enter and remain in the State until their application for international protection is determined.
I am not aware of any instance where a person seeking the State's protection has been refused entry at a port.
