The authorities are attempting to deport a man who has been granted refugee status but who has been convicted for human trafficking, writes Nuala Haughey, Social and Racial Affairs Correspondent
The Minister for Justice has notified the man that he intends to revoke his refugee status, under which he has been legally permitted to reside in Ireland for almost four years.
The case is the first in Ireland where the Department of Justice has attempted to revoke a declaration that a person is entitled to protection here as a refugee.
Mr Genzi Syziu, from Kosovo, was recognised by the Irish authorities as a refugee fleeing persecution in October 1999. However, he was convicted in a Belgian court in 2001 on trafficking charges. A condition of his release by the Belgian authorities was that he did not continue to reside in that country. It is understood he returned to Ireland earlier this year.
It is believed Mr Syziu intends to appeal the Minister's decision.