Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2004
152 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application to his Department in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the timeframe for a decision in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16996/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Refugee Act 1996 two independent statutory offices were established to consider applications-appeals for refugee status and to make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. These two 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 the appeals stage. A final decision will be made in this case upon receipt of the recommendation-decision of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, as appropriate.
