Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2023
81. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice what the implications are for the State if a cap on the numbers of asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees is introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49030/23]
View answerThe State is required to examine the application of anyone who is at the border of the State or is in the State and indicates they wish to make an application for international protection. This is in accordance with our obligations under international and EU asylum law. Ireland is a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
The International Protection Act 2015 governs the international protection process in Ireland, which includes refugee status determination and subsidiary protection in accordance with Ireland's obligations under the 1951 UN Convention and EU asylum law. Neither the 1951 Convention nor the the EU law allows for the possibility of a cap on numbers of persons entitled to seek international protection, as this would not be in accordance with the fundamental aims of such measures.
The EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) establishes the minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons from third countries who are unable to return to their country of origin. It was activated by an EU Council Decision in March 2022 in response to the war in Ukraine. The Council Decision defines those who are eligible for Temporary Protection, but neither the Council Decision, nor the Temporary Protection Directive allow for a cap on the number of applicants.
My Department is taking all necessary steps to manage the international protection process fairly, efficiently and effectively while ensuring the integrity of Ireland's rules-based immigration system is maintained.
