Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 262: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a determination will be made in the appeal by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if the applicant has been communicated with to ensure that they are familiar with the way the asylum process works. [10432/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 263: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the hunger strike of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 whose frustration with the slow progress of their application has led them to taking this action; and if he will arrange for officials from his Department to meet with the applicant to reassure him that their appeal against refusal for asylum will receive due regard when it is being considered; and if he will indicate to them the timeframe for their appeal. [10433/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications and I do not propose to do so in this case. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process within the framework of the Refugee Act, 1996 comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

Applicants are provided with comprehensive information material on the asylum process. In addition, applicants who appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal have the opportunity to submit detailed grounds of appeal and are provided with information material on the appeals process. Applicants also have access to legal advice at all stages of the asylum process provided by the Refugee Legal Service. A final decision will be made on receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.