GARDAI are investigating the disappearance of a man who absconded after immigration officials detained him at Dublin Airport on Thursday.
The man said he was French and had the identification papers of a French citizen aged 20. But immigration personnel did not accept the papers, believing him to be Algerian.
He was brought to a detention room for questioning and was left alone there for a short time while his papers were checked. Then he appears to have made his getaway by running across the tarmac in front of the main airport terminal building. Gardai think he may already have left for Britain or an other European country.
The Irish Refugee Council which deals with people seeking asylum and refugee status in Ireland, was unaware of the incident. In cases where individuals sought asylum and the authorities believed they had a case, immigration officials would contact the council, said a spokesperson, Ms Nadette Foley.
Increasing numbers of Algerians were seeking asylum in Ireland, particularly since last July, added Ms Foley. In several cases the individuals have contacted other Algerian refugees in Dublin through the Dublin mosque, and have then got in touch with the authorities. If this man intended leaving Ireland, then the council would hear nothing, added Ms Foley.
The Irish Refugee Council is dealing with refugees from 54 countries.
Refugee legislation is currently at committee stage in the Dail.
