Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a serious matter which needs to be cleared up and the facts determined. I referred to the issue this morning in the European Parliament because of the decision taken at the G8 summit in County Fermanagh that formal negotiations on the EU-US trade negotiations and mandate would formally commence in Washington in July. The allegations that have been made of United States surveillance of European Union premises are a matter of concern to everybody, Ireland included. For this reason, the EU's External Action Service has sought urgent clarification of the matter in both Washington and Brussels. The European Union expects to hear shortly from the United States authorities. High Representative Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union, has also spoken directly to US Secretary of State John Kerry in Brunei. We have discussed the issue with senior officials in the US embassy in Dublin and indicated we expect clarification on this matter as soon as possible to follow on the EU request. This country values greatly its relationship with the United States, both bilaterally and in the context of the European Union, and we expect to continue this co-operative relationship in the period ahead.

I confirm that the gentleman to whom Deputy Daly referred, Mr. Snowden, has written to the Irish embassy in Moscow requesting that he be granted asylum in Ireland. It is clear from the content of his letter that Mr. Snowden is facing potentially very serious criminal charges in the United States relating to his having made public information which was privileged and confidential relating to the US Government. Asylum applications are not accepted from persons resident or present in other countries, as our refugee status determination is based on applications for asylum made within the Irish jurisdiction. Accordingly, asylum applications made at Irish embassies abroad are not accepted. Section 8 of the 1996 Refugee Act provides that any person who arrives at the frontiers of the State or any person who at any time is in the State seeking the status of a refugee may apply to the Minister for a declaration of refugee status. It is a generally accepted principle internationally and one which Ireland applies that a person should seek asylum in the first safe host country in which he or she arrives.

Mr. Snowden has written to the Irish embassy in Moscow and I have outlined the conditions that apply in this regard. The process of dealing with the matter, in the event that a valid application is made, will be in accordance with the framework of international legal conventions such as the Geneva Convention, EU directives and regulations.

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