Vol. 518 No. 3
240 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current position regarding the appeal of a Romanian national (details supplied) who has lived here for two years, is employed and paying taxes and an applicant for asylum; when a determination will be made on this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11452/00]
O'Donoghue): The person referred to by the Deputy sought asylum in the State in July 1998. His application was refused on 29 February 2000 and he has informed officials in my Department that he does not intend appealing this decision but rather is seeking permission to remain on humanitarian grounds. In line with the Government's decision of 26 July 1999, allowing certain asylum seekers to take up employment, the person referred to was given permission in December 1999 to seek employment and I understand that he commenced work last February.
The application for leave to remain in the State is currently under consideration and when a decision has been reached in the matter, both the applicant and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome.
