Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I repeat my concern that there has been a great deal of misinformation about this case in the public domain. I want to state clearly that Nonso Muojeke is not at any immediate risk of deportation. The Irish Nationalisation and Immigration Service has given that undertaking to the court. This case is still before the courts. As I have consistently said, as Minister for Justice and Equality I do not interfere with cases that are before the courts. When the court proceedings conclude, however, I will use my powers as Minister to consider this case fully, including from a humanitarian point of view. As Minister, I do exercise ministerial discretion from time to time. Having a functioning and transparent system is a critical component of immigration systems, not only here in Ireland but right across the world.

I remind Deputies that 2,926 individual applications for international protection made were made last year alone. Applicants for international protection from the UN-recognised refugee producing countries are prioritised. Each applicant is required to comply with the laws of the country during the time their application is being processed. Ireland has reformed its immigration system to address lengthy time periods associated with applications. With the commencement of the 2015 Act on 31 December 2016, we now have a single procedure. This is the biggest reform of our protection process in more than 20 years. It is in line with our intention to provide first-instance decisions in the shortest possible timeframe.

I do not doubt the sincerity of Deputy Cowen. I hope that is mutual. I regret that I cannot comment on individual cases that are before the courts because they are undergoing due process. I assure Deputy Cowen and the House, however, that once the court proceedings have concluded, I can give the facts and the circumstances of the case in question full consideration, which I intend to do.

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