Vol. 499 No. 2
137 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the levels of funding available to the Irish Refugee Council in order to enable it to provide independent legal advice, written representation and research services for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2301/99]
During the period 1 January to 30 September 1997, my Department provided financial assistance to the Irish Refugee Council for a legal project which provided advice to asylum seekers at the first stage of the asylum process. The Irish Refugee Council then terminated their legal service to asylum seekers with effect from 1 October 1997 and a new scheme was set up by my Department to replace this service. That scheme in turn is now being replaced by a wholly independent legal service to asylum seekers to be provided by the Legal Aid Board with effect from the end of February.
I understand that, last autumn, the Irish Refugee Council appointed an independent consultant to carry out a strategy review as to its future direction. The question of funding of the council's activities will be considered when this report is to hand and when the council has decided on its future plans.
