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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

International protection system abuse claim

Summary

Deputy O'Flynn alleged abuse of the international protection system by a named individual and company interests. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle repeatedly ruled the contribution out of order; the Taoiseach said he was unaware of the specifics, would not comment on individual cases, and said any concerns should be reported to the authorities.

There are real concerns.

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I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. As highlighted last month on "The Neil Prendeville Show" on RedFM, can the Taoiseach explain how it is acceptable for a man who identifies himself as Sarabjit Singh - my Hindi is not very good - is now registered at two addresses in Mallow, County Cork, under the State-funded international protection system and appears to be quite a successful businessman? Mr. Singh owns 20% of a hospitality company, Mohsin Manzoor Hospitality Limited, with a turnover that jumped from €25,000 to €900,000 in the past nine months. He is also linked to two other properties in which he owns a 20% share, which have €150,000 outstanding to Revenue with a collection debt on that. He also owns a luxury home in Cork with a pool.

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John McGuinness An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Deputy O'Flynn should not be raising separate issues on individuals. I ask him to refrain from that, please.

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I will just say the individual. The company also owns a luxury property in Cork with an indoor pool and cinema. More concerning, the main business-----

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John McGuinness An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Can you conclude, Deputy?

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The main business of Mohsin Manzoor Hospitality Limited is in providing accommodation for international protection applicants, the very system he is living under himself. Does the Government believe-----

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John McGuinness An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

You are out of order, Deputy.

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-----that this is fair on the taxpayer? Is it satisfied that it is not a part of a greater scheme that exploits the system-----

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John McGuinness An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Does Deputy Whitmore wish to ask a question that is within the remit?

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-----that is meant to support the genuine and the vulnerable?

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I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

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John McGuinness An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Does the Taoiseach wish to comment on that?

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Just to say to the Deputy, I am not aware of the specifics of what he has said.

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I will write to the Taoiseach in this regard.

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I am not going to comment on individual cases, but if there is anything untoward - and the Deputy clearly believes there is - there are authorities to which all of that can be reported and properly investigated.

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