The International Protection Office examine applications for international protection by anyone who indicates they wish to make an application. The staff of the IPO are independent by law in the exercise of their international protection functions. All applications for international protection are examined fully and individually on their merits, including those from countries which are designated as safe countries of origin.
I signed regulation to introduce new procedures were introduced in the International Protection Office to accelerate the process for making a protection application in Ireland. The European Communities (International Protection Procedures) Regulations 2022, introduced accelerated procedures for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin for the first time in Ireland.
The changes to the International Protection process were designed to establish an accelerated process for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin. Designated countries include Georgia, Albania among others.
Under the new process, applications from safe countries of origin are processed in an accelerated or prioritised procedure to enable a more timely decision on such cases. Applicants from such countries can now expect to receive a first instance decision within three months.
The list of countries designated as a safe country of origin is subject to ongoing review.
The Deputy will appreciate that any engagements by diplomatic staff would be a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
