Millions paid to Refugee Appeals Tribunal since 2001

Nearly €8m has been paid to part-time members of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal since 2001.

Fine Gael Justice spokesman Jim O'Keefe, said €7.7m has been spent on wages in the last five years.

Deputy O'Keefe is now calling on the Government to reform the tribunal and to start again from scratch.

“I have raised very serious questions about the operations of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in the past,” he said.

“I believe that it needs to be completely reformed and a new approach put in place. I believe it isn't effective or cost-efficient and the figures reinforce my view."