€7.7m paid to Refugee Appeals Tribunal members since 2001

FINE GAEL has again called for an urgent revamp of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal following revelations that €7.7 million has been paid to 33 part-time members since 2001.

Jim O’Keeffe, the party’s justice spokesman, called for a reform of the tribunal due to the high costs and concerns about its performance.

“Certain members have refused almost every single application for asylum, while others are said to have been very lenient,” the West Cork TD said.