Direct Provision System

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017

Tuesday, 23 May 2017

Questions (162)

Bríd Smith

Question:

162. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if asylum seekers are entitled to open a bank account by right here; the acceptable forms of proof of identity and proof of address for those residing in direct provision and other convention asylum seekers that wish to open a bank account; her views on whether clarity in this regard will allow asylum seekers and banks to follow transparent and fair procedures rather than the reportedly ad hoc and inconsistently applied arrangements that are being experienced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24777/17]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that it is the responsibility of the financial institutions themselves to decide, in accordance with relevant banking regulations and legislation, what they will accept as valid identification for the purposes of opening a bank account in the State. This is clearly stated in the Guidelines published by the Department of Finance on the Criminal Justice (Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.