Sir, - In Paul Cullen's above article covering an open forum, organised by the Irish Refugee Council, which followed our annual general meeting, it was stated that the legal department of the IRC closed as a result of funding difficulties. In actual fact, the legal Department did not close, the Council ceased to provide legal representation for asylum seekers. However, it still continues to provide legal advice and assistance for asylum seekers, including those needing advice, following the implementation of the Dublin Convention. The legal department also continues to implement a monitoring programme of the State's legal processing of asylum seekers, with all the ancillary facets relating thereto.
To date, the legal department is funded in a limited way by FAS, but hopefully will be augmented following further future funding, which is imminent. - Yours, etc. Derek Stewart,
Chairperson,
Irish Refugee Council,
Arran Quay,
Dublin 7.