21 May 1998 Edition
TD meets asylum seekers
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín O Caoláin met representatives of the Association of Nigerian Asylum-Seekers in Ireland in Kildare House on 20 May. They discussed the plight of those fleeing from the military regime in Nigeria and seeking sanctuary in Ireland. The Sinn Féin TD expressed concern at the plans of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform John OÕDonoghue as outlined in reply to a parliamentary question last week.
OÕDonoghue ruled out any amnesty for asylum seekers in the country at present and has signalled much tighter restrictions on those seeking asylum. It seems that the measures, which will require new legislation, would amount to a scrapping of the Refugee Act which has never been implemented and which would have offered greater protections of rights for those applying for refugee status.
OÕDonoghue ruled out any amnesty for asylum seekers in the country at present and has signalled much tighter restrictions on those seeking asylum. It seems that the measures, which will require new legislation, would amount to a scrapping of the Refugee Act which has never been implemented and which would have offered greater protections of rights for those applying for refugee status.