Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Jan 1999

Vol. 499 No. 2

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

John Gormley

Ceist:

141 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, there is to revise the terms of the Refugee Act, 1996, to allow for the appointment of several independent refugee commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2305/99]

John Gormley

Ceist:

144 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the promised review of the Refugee Act, 1996, is likely to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2308/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 144 together.

As I have indicated on several occasions, I am of the view that the Refugee Act in its current form is unworkable for a number of reasons.

The Act and its procedures were designed to process approximately 300 to 400 applications per year. However, we have experienced an enor mous growth in the number of asylum seekers with over 4,600 applications recorded last year. The Act only provided for the appointment of one Refugee Applications Commissioner and one Appeal Board with no powers of delegation.

I am now reviewing the 1996 Refugee Act in the light of other EU member states refugee legislation and having regard to the considerable experience subsequently gained in my Department in the operation of the refugee determination procedures over recent years.

I cannot give the Deputy a precise timescale for completion of my review, but, he can be assured that there will be no undue delay in the matter.