Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the motion. As somebody who has dealt with quite a number of cases of deportation, as I am sure everybody else in the House has, I am a little concerned and I ask that the Minister bear in mind the individual nature of the cases. In some circumstances, a person has been deemed appropriate for deportation but on subsequent review of the case, the person has had the decision reversed. I ask that this be taken into account where possible or in all cases. I am not talking about people who committed offences in the State but rather people who made an application under immigration laws for refugee or asylum status. I would like to be reassured with regard to those cases that have been particularly delayed for a long time after the decision.

Some people have been reporting on a monthly basis to their local Garda station for up ten years pending their deportation. Inherent in the delay is recognition of the fact that the case may be answerable. In these circumstances I would like to be reassured that such persons will have an opportunity to have their cases reviewed before deportation, particularly if they have been reporting to their local Garda station for ten or 12 years in accordance with requirements. It would be a safeguard in the legislation.

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