Statement by Minister of State, Liz O'Donnell, TD
Commenting on the resignation of Mr. Peter Finlay, SC, as refugee appeals adjudicator, the minister said:
"I am saddened by Mr. Finlay's resignation and on behalf of the government would like to thank him for his valued service. He has been an independent and skilled adjudicator of appeals in asylum cases. He has impeccable credentials in the field of Human Rights and through his work on hearing over 400 appeals has significantly contributed to asylum jurisprudence.
"As one who has had cause in the recent past to be critical of the asylum process and procedures, I understand but regret his principled decision to resign. For my part, I will continue to work within government in order to influence the formulation of comprehensive and fair immigration and asylum policies. In this regard the government has been working in a concerted fashion across several departments, with the Taoiseach chairing a focused Cabinet sub-committee on the issue. It is our firm intention to put in place asylum and immigration arrangements which are fully in accordance with our international and constitutional human rights obligations."
