Vol. 486 No. 6
289 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will establish an information unit to aid the proper evaluation of applications for asylum by gaining full information on the human rights situation in the applicant's country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3341/98]
As the situation in the country of origin of asylum seekers is a most important factor in the determination process, it is essential that such information is researched in detail. For this purpose, my Department obtains information from, inter alia, the UNHCR, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Amnesty International reports, the media and other EU member states.
As I have announced previously, new accommodation has been procured for staff dealing with applicants for refugee status and this accommodation will become a one-stop-shop for asylum seekers. I have set aside space in the new accommodation for the UNHCR and this space includes room for a research and documentation centre. This centre, which will be initially supervised by the UNHCR, will be accessible to my Department and representatives of asylum seekers.
