Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 833: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11291/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department's records show that the person concerned arrived in the State on 30 December 1996 and claimed asylum on 2 January 1997. His asylum application was considered by the then Asylum Division of my Department who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. This position was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 2 February 1999. This communication advised the person concerned of his entitlement to appeal this decision to the then Asylum Appeals Unit of the Department. The person concerned, through his legal representative, lodged an appeal.

The appeal of the person concerned was considered by the then Refugee Appeals Authority who concluded that the person concerned met the criteria for recognition as a refugee. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 30 July 1999.

I refer to the correspondence submitted by the Deputy. I see no reason for the assertion that the examination of this asylum application, at first instance and at appeal, was not carried out in accordance with the best practices applicable to that time. Specifically, the person concerned was provided with the facility to set out, in writing, at interview and at Appeal Hearing, the circumstances that gave rise to his asylum application. The application was duly considered, at both stages, having regard for the Applicant's account of events measured against objective, reputable information relating to the Applicant's country of origin and applying, where appropriate, the benefit of any doubt in favour of the Applicant.