Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the criteria used for the appointment of members to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10859/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Refugee Appeals Tribunal is an independent body established under the Refugee Act 1996. The tribunal comprises a chairperson and, at present, 35 ordinary members appointed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The criteria used in making appointments to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal are set out in the Second Schedule to the 1996 Act. Ordinary members of the tribunal, who are part-time, hold office for a term of three years and, as in the case of the chairperson, are required to have had not less than five years' experience as practising barristers or practising solicitors before appointment.

The tribunal continues to play a vital part in the Government's overall asylum strategy, with a huge volume of appeals processed and dealt with in a timely, fair and effective manner in line with the State's international obligations.

The existing arrangements are working well and there are no plans to review procedures for appointing ordinary members of the tribunal.