Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:463 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the status of an asylum application by a person (details supplied). [7479/02]
Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.
It appears from records held in my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy has not applied for asylum in the State. In March 1998 the person concerned applied for a certificate of naturalisation. I refused that application in January 2000 and the applicant was informed of this decision in writing at that time.
It is open to the person to reapply for a certificate of naturalisation provided that, at the time of application, she fulfils the requirements for naturalisation set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended in 1986.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:464 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an asylum application by a person (details supplied). [7480/02]
Under the Refugee Act, 1996, two independent statutory offices were established to consider applications-appeals for refugee status and make recommendations to me on whether such status should be granted. These offices are the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, which considers applications for a declaration as a refugee at first instance, and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which considers applications for a declaration at appeal stage.
A decision on this person's asylum application issued to the applicant on 28 February.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:465 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an asylum application by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [7481/02]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 316 of 5 February.
The position regarding the asylum application in question remains unchanged.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:466 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an asylum application by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [7483/02]
The person in question entered the State on 22 June 2000 and claimed asylum. His claim was refused and he was informed of this decision on 26 September 2000. He appealed this decision but this appeal was refused.
On 23 November 2001 a letter issued informing him that it was proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him and giving him the following options: 15 working days to make written representations setting out any reasons he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, to leave the State before a decision whether to order his deportation is taken, or to consent to the making of a deportation order. Representations were received as to why he should be allowed to remain the State. I expect his case file will be submitted to me for decision shortly.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:467 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an asylum application by a person (details supplied). [7484/02]
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:479 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an asylum application by a person (details supplied). [7497/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 479 together.
As I advised the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 5 February, the position is that although the person in question's asylum application was unsuccessful he has been granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of his marriage to an Irish national. A letter granting him such permission issued from my Department on 1 February.