Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 1180: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the liaison between the Garda Síochána and the Refugee Applications Commissioner regarding applicants who are charged with serious offences, including drug supply. [1889/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda national immigration bureau liaises with the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on a regular basis. I am further informed that it is the policy of the Garda national immigration bureau to advise the director general, Irish naturalisation and immigration service and the Refugee Applications Commissioner when any applicant for refugee status is charged with any offence, including offences under misuse of drugs legislation. In determining an application for asylum, the Refugee Applications Commissioner, who is independent in the exercise of her functions, will only consider information which is relevant to the investigation of the particular application.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 1181: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the liaison between the immigration authorities and the Garda Síochána for cross-referencing of fingerprints of persons charged with serious offences. [1890/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda national immigration bureau is one of the specialist functions within the Garda Síochána concerned with operational immigration matters. The use of fingerprint evidence in relation to criminal offences is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in accordance with the law.