Michael Creed
Question:1207. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons seeking international protection here by the length of stay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14207/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (1207)
Written answers
At the end of January 2021, there were 5,279 cases pending at the International Protection Office (IPO). The table below provides a breakdown of this figure by duration pending.
Applications pending at the IPO at the end of January 2021
|
Duration pending |
Total |
|
Less than 3 months |
356 |
|
Between 3 and 6 months |
378 |
|
Between 6 and 12 months |
554 |
|
Between 12 and 24 months |
2,646 |
|
More than 24 months |
1,345 |
|
Total |
5,279 |
One of the key recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Dr. Catherine Day, was the reduction of processing times for both first instance decisions and appeals to 6 months each, as far as possible. Work is underway in my Department on identifying mechanisms which will assist with working towards this objective. Additional ICT resources have been secured for 2021 and detailed work, including an end-to-end review of processes, to guide enhanced processing times is underway. When this first phase of work has been carried out it will enable a more detailed set of milestones to be put in place.
The IPO has already begun holding virtual interviews with some applicants living outside of Dublin. They have also put in place a range of measures to improve efficiencies across a number of work streams, such as accelerated procedures, implementation of non-cooperation measures, and initiatives to speed up the return of completed questionnaires. Other options being explored include greater automation of the process including ICT improvements, revision of key documentation and a greater use of remote interviewing.
An additional €1.75m was secured in Budget 2021 for the efficient functioning of the international protection system, which will help to further improve processing times for applications. By October 2022 at the latest, my Department will carry out a review of the progress made in reducing and improving processing times. My Department will then decide whether additional measures are required in order to ensure that the new system can come into operation without the overhang of any significant number of legacy cases.