McDowell blocks EU asylum seekers

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has invoked EU protocol to prevent any member of an EU state from applying for refugee status in the State.

The moves comes after over 220 asylum applications from Romania were received by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner in the past week.

Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU community this month, and therefore their citizens are subject to a new admissions process.

In effect, the decision, which was made in consultation with the Attorney General, means that applicants from EU states "will not be allowed to enter into, or remain in, our asylum processes or in accommodation provided by the Reception and Integration Agency for asylum seekers," according to a Department of Justice statement.

According to the department many of the applicants outlined their desire to "improve their economic well-being" and intentions "to avail of health and housing services in the State".

For this reason, according to Mr McDowell, a "firm action" is needed. .

"Membership of the European Union, which Romania and Bulgaria joined in January this year, necessarily alters the strict application of the Geneva Convention to asylum applications by EU nationals in other EU member states," he said.

"This arises because nationals of such States are also citizens of the European Union who . . . enjoy a special status and protection which is guaranteed by all the Member States in accordance with the EU treaties.

"In accordance with the protocol and in the light of the recent influx, I am taking this firm action now in order to prevent the institution of asylum and our asylum determination process being resorted to for purposes other than those for which they are intended," the Minister said.

The new admissions process will come into effect retrospectively from January lst.