Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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339. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the diplomatic arrangements in place for Somalian refugees who fled conflict some years ago, are residing here and cannot return to Somalia to access their original photographic identification; if there is a vehicle by which they can access verification of their identity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7064/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that INIS is obliged to issue a travel document to all persons granted protection in the State. However a person who has been granted the protection of the State will not be issued with a travel document that permits a return to the country from which they have fled persecution. An Irish travel document will facilitate travel outside of Ireland although it is not a substitute or a replacement for a national passport.

Full information with regard to the issue of travel documents is available at www.inis.gov.ie.

The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has responsibility for diplomatic arrangements with other countries.