Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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2180. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the international protection appeal status of a person of interest in an ongoing homicide investigation has any bearing on that person's immigration status or re-entry rights to the State should they return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55416/26]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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It is a central priority for me as Minister that our immigration laws are robust and enforced.

As the matter referred to is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation by An Garda Síochána, I cannot comment on the details of the specific case.

More generally, each application for international protection is examined in detail on its individual merits, taking all factors into account.

When processing international protection applications, criminal convictions are always considered. Character and conduct checks are also carried out before applicants can be granted any permission to remain in the State. An Garda Síochána notifies my Department of matters which may be relevant to its considerations.

If an applicant is not granted protection, they no longer have a right to remain in the State and are not allowed to so remain.

The removal of people who are involved in criminality and those who are a danger to society is a priority for me as Minister and my Department works closely with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service to ensure high risk persons are prioritised for removal from Ireland.