Ceist:
161 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will rule out the use of detention as part of the process of examining applicants for asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11629/98]
Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.
Detention is not part of the process of examining applications for asylum. This is not to say that an asylum seeker may not be detained. It is possible under the Aliens Act, 1935, to detain non-nationals, including asylum seekers. The particular circumstances where this may occur are set out in the Aliens Order, 1946 and the Aliens (Amendment) Order, 1975. I would also point out that, while it has not yet been commenced, section 9 of the Refugee Act, 1996, sets out circumstances in which an asylum seeker may be detained. While it may be necessary, from time to time, to detain an asylum seeker, I do not, however, see this as being a regular occurrence.