Written answers

Thursday, 22 February 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Asylum Applications

6:00 pm

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the level of supports in place by his Department or aegis of his Department for asylum applicants; the level of legal service and legal supports to assist asylum applicants; the costs associated with the legal service over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6437/07]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I can inform the Deputy that comprehensive services are in place for persons who apply for refugee status in the State. Insofar as my Department is concerned, applicants for asylum are entitled to have their applications processed at first instance by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, as appropriate, at appeals stage by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Applicants also have access to comprehensive interpretation services.

The Reception and Integration Agency provides accommodation for asylum seekers through the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Under this policy, asylum seekers are provided with full board accommodation and ancillary services. Comprehensive service provision is also available to asylum seekers from other Government Departments.

In relation to legal advice, the Refugee Legal Service (RLS), provides a comprehensive, confidential and independent legal service to persons applying for asylum in the State. This service is provided at all stages of the asylum process — initial application, appeal stage and, post asylum, in relation to matters such as applications for subsidiary protection and humanitarian leave to remain.

Also, in a relatively small number of cases, assistance is provided in relation to judicial reviews of asylum determinations or in respect of decisions on leave to remain applications or deportation orders. Judicial review is provided only where this is warranted in accordance with the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995. Applicants may apply to the RLS for service at any stage of the asylum process or in relation to the post asylum issues which I have referred to.

Legal services at all stages of the process are provided by solicitors employed by the RLS. In addition, as an added measure of flexibility, legal aid in relation to appeals to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal can also be provided by a barrister instructed by an RLS solicitor or by a private solicitor engaged by the Board under the RLS Private Practitioner schemes.

Interpretation is arranged, where necessary, for all RLS client consultations at all stages of service provision.

The amount of funding drawn down by the RLS from my Department's Vote in each of the past five years is as follows.

YearOutturn Funding
€ million
20029.600
20039.174
20049.071
20059.226
20067.726

The proportion of asylum applicants registering for service with the RLS at any stage in the process increased from 20% on its establishment in 1999 to just under 70% in 2006.

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