Patrick McCartan
Ceist:84 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Justice if he will give details of the length of time a Libyan exile (details supplied) has been detained in custody in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Detention of Libyan Exile.
The person referred to in the question is the subject of a deportation order made by my predecessor and has had been in custody since 19 September, 1991. He can, if he wishes, obtain his freedom at any time by returning voluntarily to his own country.
His application for political asylum has been referred in the normal manner to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for their views as to his status. I hope to make a decision on the application within the next few days, when I receive the views of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.