Written Answers. - Illegal Immigrants.
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:
84
Mr. E. Byrne
asked the
Minister for Justice
the plans, if any, she has to review the legislation governing the treatment of non-EU nationals with particular regard to regularising the situation of illegal immigrants ensuring transparency in dealing with visa applications, residence permits and others; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[7086/96]
An interdepartmental committee on non-Irish nationals was established in 1993 with the following terms of reference:
—to examine and restate present policy and practice in relation to the admission to residence and right of work in the State of EU and non-EU nationals from the point of view of:
—general aims of policy;
—clarity;
—consistency;
—efficiency of application;
—appeals mechanisms.
—to examine, in particular, the transparency and efficiency of arrangements which exist for dealing with special categories of immigrant e.g. asylum seekers, refugees;
—to make such recommendations as are necessary for the development of a system of treatment of immigrants which is consistent and transparent, having due regard to the commitment in respect of refugees and asylum seekers which is contained in the Programme for Government;
—to make recommendations on the most feasible way of dealing with the problem of immigrants who have illegally resided in the State for considerable periods of time.
The committee has already presented its report on applications for refugee status etc. and that report formed the basis for the Refugee Bill which has passed all stages in this House and is currently before the Seanad.
The interdepartmental committee on non-Irish nationals has almost finished its examination of the remaining issues outlined in its terms of reference. I understand that the contribution of one of the participating Departments to the current draft of its second report is being revised at present.
As I have already stated in reply to a similar question put down by the Deputy for answer on 14 March 1995 I believe that future policy changes should be informed by that report, especially since the committee held meetings with individuals and agencies with an interest in these matters.
The whole area of immigration policy and practice is a complex one of importance, not only at a national level, but of mutual concern to the member states of the European Union. Developments at this level will necessarily be reflected in any policy changes which I would undertake.
