Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 600: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant residency to persons (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28004/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The persons concerned arrived in the State on 1 October, 2001 and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, they were informed by letters dated 13 May, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before orders are made or consenting to the making of deportation orders. Representations have been received on behalf of the persons concerned.

These persons' case files, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.