Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

348 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis on which asylum seekers who have children born in this country have been denied a right of residency and work permits which were heretofore afforded to persons in that category since October 1997; if the position of these persons is under review; if so, when a decision will be made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14940/99]

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

My Department has on hands a large number of applications from persons, many of whom are current or former asylum seekers, for permission to remain in the State on the basis that they are the parents of Irish born children (Irish citizens). I hope to be in a position to make decisions on these cases in the very near future.