User:Informedagent

Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC)
The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) is a statutorily independent agency, within the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The ORAC has two primary roles. It deals with applications for asylum and is makes recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform as to whether or not an applicant is a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). In addition ORAC investigates applications by recognised refugees to allow family members to enter and reside in Ireland and reports to the Minister on such applications.

The Refugee Act was introduced on a phased basis from its passing into law in June 1996, on 20 November 2000 it was commenced in full. Section 6 of the Act created the position of Refugee Applications Commissioner, and the Commissioner is empowered under section 1 of that act to appoint authorised officers to carry out the work of the Commissioner. As set out in the First Schedule to the Act, the Commissioner, and his or her staff, are civil servants within the meaning of the Civil Service Act, 1956.

The second statutorily independent body to be established by the Refugee Act, 1996 was the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which considers applications at appeal stage

The ORAC is also responsible for the issuing of Temporary Residence Certificates to asylum seekers; presenting the ORAC's case to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal where recommendations are appealed; furnishing to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, the Refugee Advisory Board, the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform and the UNHCR such information as necessary under the Act.

Informedagent (talk) 02:24, 14 December 2008 (UTC)