Refugee Status.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2006

Tuesday, 3 October 2006

Ceisteanna (129)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

232 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) on the difficulties posed to refugees by widespread non-recognition of the Irish travel document issued to them; his views on the correspondence and in particular on the comparison made to the travel document issued by the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30750/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The correspondence that the Deputy refers to has not been received and I am not aware of widespread non-recognition of the Irish travel document. Travel documents issued by my Department to persons granted refugee status are done so under the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996 which incorporates the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees. Such documents issued are in compliance with the agreed guidelines set out in that Convention. However, I can inform the Deputy that arrangements are in train to update, from a security perspective, the travel document issued to persons granted refugee status in the State under the Refugee Act 1996.