Donal Carey
Ceist:52 Mr. Carey and Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice if it is the intention of the Government to ratify a convention setting out criteria to establish a common asylum policy throughout the EC; and if so, when.
Written Answers. - Policy on Asylum.
Donal Carey
Ceist:56 Mr. Carey and Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice if he accepts the need for a full public debate on the implication of harmonisation of asylum policy in the EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Donal Carey
Ceist:67 Mr. Carey and Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to resolutions of the European Parliament passed on 12 March 1987 and 15 March 1990, on the matter of asylum and in particular the need for National Parliaments of member states to be fully involved in the formulation of policy in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 56 and 67 together.
In my reply to Question No. 46 on 27 February 1990 — Official Report, columns 589 to 591 — I indicated, inter alia, the work being undertaken by the ad hoc immigration group in the field of asylum. As of now there is no convention setting out criteria to establish a common asylum policy and therefore the question of ratification does not arise.
I am aware of the resolutions of the European Parliament referred to by the Deputies and I am satisfied that the interests of this State in relation to asylum matters are fully represented at the policy making fora concerned with this area. I am not aware that there is any inhibition on public debate on the matter.