Vol. 508 No. 1
760 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the changes which allow those seeking refugee status to work when their applications are waiting one year; when this new regulation came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17658/99]
On 26 July, 1999, the Government, as an exceptional measure, decided that subject to compliance with all the following conditions, registered asylum seekers who (i) have been in the country for longer than 12 months, (ii) are still awaiting a determination of their application for refugee status, and (iii) have been complying with their obligations as asylum seekers, should be given the right to seek work here. This measure applies only to those persons who sought asylum here up to 26 July 1999 as soon as they cross the 12-month threshold.
Asylum applicants who have dropped out of the asylum process and whose cases are deemed abandoned, are not entitled to seek work here.
The Government also decided that the prohibition on the right to seek work in respect of persons, who sought asylum here after 26 July 1999 will remain in force.
