Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the communication from the UNHCR regarding the inappropriateness of returning refugees to Iraq, including the Kurdish area; if the Government is acting in accordance with the UNHCR's advice on this matter; if he has had talks with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13540/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the advice of the UNHCR on the return of Iraqi asylum seekers. As the Deputy knows, asylum applications in Ireland are assessed within an independent statutory framework. The advice of the UNHCR on returns forms an important part of the assessment of cases. In the circumstances, I have not felt it necessary to discuss this matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.