asked the Minister for justice why a British Army deserter was denied political asylum in this country and detained by the Garda.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Army Deserter.
7.
The Deputy appears to be misinformed. As the man concerned is a citizen of the United Kingdom and a native of Scotland, he does not need any special permission to stay here, and the question of refusing political asylum does not arise.
I would not be prepared to make any comment about the reason why a particular person was detained by the Garda Síochána.
Can the Minister state if political asylum has been granted to any person in the past 12 months?
That is a separate question.
I am not aware of that, but the point I am making is that political asylum does not arise with regard to this citizen.