Question of State's liability to pay damages to homeless asylum seekers referred to CJEU

The High Court seeks guidance from the Court of Justice of the European Union on determining actions brought by two men

The Court of Justice of the European Union will be asked legal questions as part of a judge’s consideration of whether the State must pay damages to asylum seekers who were left homeless upon arrival in Ireland.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) will be asked legal questions as part of a judge’s consideration of whether the State must pay damages to asylum seekers who were left homeless upon arrival in Ireland.

The High Court’s Mr Justice Cian Ferriter said the “test cases” brought by two men raised “significant questions” with no clear answers under EU law. He requires guidance from the Luxembourg court on how to determine the actions, whose outcomes will determine the fate of some 50 other damages claims before the court.