Written answers
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Refugee Resettlement Scheme
9:00 pm
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for accepting refugees; the nationalities and numbers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25447/07]
Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the Government's scheme of resettlement refugees. In May 2005, the Government decided to increase Ireland's annual quota of resettlement refugees from 10 families (around 40 persons) to 200 persons. Decisions on nationalities and source countries are made following close consultation between the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform, the Minster for Foreign Affairs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) who advise annually on their priorities. No decision has yet been taken in regard to the nationalities to be accepted under the 2008 Quota.
Ireland is one of 18 countries world-wide and one of six EU countries that participates in this UNHCR-led resettlement programme. Other EU countries are currently in the process of joining the programme.
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