Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
1137 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a review of an application for refugee status by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22494/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy entered the State on 6 August 2002 and applied for refugee status. Following an interview by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on 19 December 2002, she was refused refugee status in the State. She was notified of this determination on 26 February 2003 and subsequently appealed it to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Following an oral hearing on 6 May 2003, her appeal was rejected and the original determination upheld. She was informed of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal on 30 May 2003.
In accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the person concerned was informed on 19 June 2003 that it was proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options of making representations within 15 working days setting out the reasons as to why he should not be deported, leaving the State voluntarily before an order was made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. An application for leave to remain in the State was received from her legal representatives on 26 June 2003. The application is awaiting consideration under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, which deals with the prohibition of refoulement. A decision on whether to grant temporary leave to remain in the State or deport her will be made shortly.
