McDowell takes credit for 40% drop in asylum seekers

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell has claimed the 40% drop in the number of people seeking asylum last year was a vindication of his tough policies.

Figures released yesterday by the Refugee Application Commissioner showed that the numbers decreased to 4,800 new applicants in 2004, compared to just over 8,000 in 2003.

Mr McDowell attributed the drop to restrictive legislation and policies introduced by him, including last year’s citizenship referendum.

He also pointed to other measures, which he said contributed to the decrease, including “fast-tracking” of applications from priority countries including Nigeria and Romania.

Speaking on RTÉ, the minister said that applications for asylum or refugee status by nationals of those countries were being dealt with “within a matter of weeks.” And in keeping with his unremitting stance on the issue, he said that he was sending a strong message to those with no claim to asylum that “you are wasting your money and your time coming to Ireland.”

He also said that he would not ease off in relation to deportation policies. But his interpretation of the latest figures as solely attributable to his policies was challenged by the opposition and by the Irish Refugee Council.

Labour justice spokesperson Joe Costello said it was disingenuous for the minister to claim credit for the reduction. He said it more reflected a general decline in applications throughout other European countries.

He said the Government still had not produced a coherent immigration policy and the issue had been put on the long finger since 2001.

“The Government must now develop an immigration policy that is just and humane.”

IRC chief executive Peter O’Mahoney said the minister’s policies comprised only one small factor in a very complex area.

He said that while the application process had speeded up, there were many people who were subject to inordinate delays at later stages of the process. In particular, he pointed out that some of those who had sought leave to appeal have been involved in the asylum process for up to eight years.

On that basis, he said, the minister’s claim that they were jumping the queue did not make much sense.