Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I disagree. If someone comes from Kazakhstan and applies for asylum in Ireland through the International Protection Office, they will be able to put forward their narrative as to why they are entitled to asylum in Ireland. That is not going to be affected by the fact there is a readmission agreement. They will still be able to put forward their case. If it is the case that they are granted asylum because of the factors the Senator outlined, they will stay here. There is no issue in that regard. This only arises when we are dealing with illegal migration. If we have an individual who went through that process and, after going through the appeals, is told he or she is not entitled to asylum and is subsequently issued with a deportation order - which involves a whole process of assessment of rights before any such order is issued - it is only after that stage the contemplation of using the readmission agreement arises. The underlying rights of an individual from Kazakhstan claiming asylum in Ireland will not be undermined by this potential agreement.