Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2019
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons (details supplied) are referred to the international protection regime in view of the fact that their residency in the system pre-dates the regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10192/19]
View answerI refer to the Deputy's query in relation to a person who is referred to the international protection system where their residency in the State pre-dates the protection regime. I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 on 31 December 2016.
The International Protection Act 2015 set out in detail under section 70 the various transitional arrangements that apply to those persons who had existing applications for refugee/ subsidiary protection status under the old protection system and the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). Persons whose applications for refugee status were considered and completed under the Refugee Act 1996 were not transferred under the transitional provisions of the new International Protection Act that commenced on 31 December 2016. Persons who were residing in the State prior to the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 and had not applied for international protection prior to the commencement date would have had their application considered under the new protection system.
Further detail on the transitional provisions that apply to those who have existing applications under the old protection system is set out in the 'Information Note on Transitional Arrangements (IPO 12)' which is available on the website of the International Protection Office (IPO) - www.ipo.gov.ie.
