Vol. 493 No. 5
10 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government's policy in relation to granting asylum to Bosnian citizens has changed since the end of hostilities there; his views on recent comments on the granting of asylum to Bosnian citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16502/98]
On a number of occasions, the Government has decided to admit groups of people, known as programme refugees, into Ireland who have been displaced from their homes as a consequence of war. In recent years, these groups have mainly consisted of Bosnians.
Since 1992, different groups of Bosnians, including a number of medical evacuees, have been admitted from the former Yugoslavia. The Government decisions in relation to these persons were taken following appeals from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. These Bosnians have been allowed to remain in Ireland indefinitely. In addition, a repatriation programme operates to facilitate those Bosnians who wish to return to their own country. The Refugee Agency, under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs, is responsible for the co-ordination of reception and resettlement services for persons brought to Ireland following a Government decision.
Government policy in this area has not changed and the Government will, in the future, be willing to consider further requests from the Commissioner in respect of persons in need of protection.
Bosnian programme refugees are eligible to apply for Irish citizenship after they have completed three years residency in the State. I understand that a number of the Bosnian community in Ireland has filed applications for citizenship and that these applications are being processed.
Decisions in relation to the granting of asylum are made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I wish to reiterate that the Government is committed to fulfilling its obligations to asylum seekers under the international human rights conventions to which we are party.
