Dáil debates

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

 

Asylum Support Services

2:00 pm

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

There are, of course, fewer people in such accommodation than in previous years. The numbers are falling. I note that during the Deputy's party's 14 year term of office it did not deem it appropriate to introduce a different system such as the one he now advocates.

Extending the remit of the Ombudsman is, in the first instance, a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. My officials would be happy to engage with that Department on any such proposals. It is important, however, not to lose sight of the need to ensure the amount of time asylum seekers remain in direct provision accommodation is kept to a minimum. I am concerned that it is far too long owing to the complexities of our immigration and asylum legislation. These issues will be addressed in the legislation being prepared and I hope a better system will be in place by the end of the year which will ensure individuals will not spend as long in direct provision accommodation.

I do not wish to inadvertently open up a new appeals mechanism in an asylum determination system that already has comprehensive in-built statutory-based appeals mechanisms and which is subject to a continuing stream of judicial reviews. While some of the reviews have merit, a considerable number are certainly brought with the intent of trying to remain unlawfully in the State for an extended time in circumstances in which there is no valid basis to seek asylum and the applicants are seeking to prevent their deportation.

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