Joe Higgins
Ceist:143 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on his visit to Nigeria during the 2001 summer recess of Dáil Éireann. [22154/01]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
Michael Bell
Ceist:162 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the main features of the repatriation agreement recently signed with the Nigerian Government; if he sought and received guarantees from the Nigerian Government regarding the safety and security of persons who may be repatriated; if concessions were sought or granted to the Nigerian authorities as a condition for their signing of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22000/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 162 together.
I visited the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the invitation of the Nigerian Government on 29 and 30 August 2001. While the primary purpose of my visit was to sign, on behalf of the State, an agreement on immigration matters with the Government of the Federal Republic in Abuja on 29 August, I also had detailed discussions with the President of the Federal Republic, President Obasanjo, and with a number of Ministers in his Government on matters of mutual interest to both of our countries.
I am particularly grateful to the President of the Federal Republic for meeting me and for taking the opportunity to outline, in some detail, to my delegation the significant developments which are taking place in his country in relation to the strengthening of the democratic process and democratic institutions. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Annan, has praised President Obasanjo's personal commitment to the promotion of democracy in Africa and his work to strengthen the Nigerian economy and restore integrity and leadership to his country.
I also discussed with the Nigerian Government the development of trade and economic links between both our countries which, as the Deputy will be aware, have very important historical connections through the work, in particular, of Irish missionaries. This work was particularly appreciated by the Federal President who also thanked Ireland for the training provided to Nigerian medical professionals, so many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in their own country.
In relation to the contents of the agreement on immigration matters which I signed during my visit, a copy of which I intend to lay before the House shortly, I refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 23 of 12 April 2001 and, in particular, 503 of 1 May 2001, in response to which I have previously outlined the main provisions of the agreement. The agreement will replace the current ad hoc arrangements with the Nigerian authorities for the return of their nationals who are residing illegally in the State and will provide an agreed logistical mechanism and structured framework for this purpose. In accordance with constitutional requirements, the terms of the agreement must be approved by the House for it to be binding on the State. I will table the necessary motion in the House in the near future.
I dealt with the detailed safeguards which exist in Irish law prior to a decision being taken to deport a person in my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 56 and 195 of 23 May 2001. I wish to point out that the question of guarantees or concessions of the type mentioned did not arise in relation to the conclusion of the agreement. Both Governments consider that the agreement, the contents of which were negotiated in a spirit of co-operation between both sides, will make an important contribution to tackling illegal immigration.
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 113.