Ceist:
595 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the identification, if any, asylum-seekers need to have on their person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21349/98]
Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.
When making an application for refugee status it is necessary for all asylum seekers to produce, as far as it is possible in their particular circumstances, some sort of evidence as to their identity i.e. passport, national identification card, driving licence or birth certificate. Most asylum seekers are not in a position to provide conclusive evidence of identification. Each asylum seeker is provided with a card by my Department with their basic details and photograph. While this card does not guarantee the identity of the holder, it certifies that the person to whom the card relates has sought asylum in this country. The asylum seeker's application reference number is quoted in case any third party needs to verify with my Department that the card actually relates to an asylum seeker.
As I indicated earlier this year work is under way to facilitate the issue of a new asylum seeker card to all existing and new applicants by the end of 1998.