Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Gabhaim buíochas leis as bheith anseo inniu. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, for taking this Adjournment motion. I have been raising the issue of asylum in this House since my election. It is an area about which I am particularly concerned. Our system leaves a lot to be desired. I am aware that the Minister of State's colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, was of similar opinion when in Opposition. Despite that he has promised reform in this area, two and a half years into the term of the Government the main plank of this reform is the immigration, residence and protection Bill. The immigration, residence and protection Bill was under consideration by the previous committee on justice when the last Dáil fell. The Minister has previously indicated to me that the Bill is so broad, lengthy and complex that it would require substantial amendment, by way, possibly, of hundreds of amendments. He has suggested that rather than return it to the committee for amendment it should be redrafted. In this regard, I understand the Bill has been returned to the Attorney General for consideration.
Concern has been expressed that the Irish protection system is fraught with lengthy delays and expensive legal proceedings and that for asylum seekers, many of whom have undergone terrible ordeals before arriving in Ireland, this means living in uncertainty and a system that bears an unnecessary human and financial cost. The Irish Refugee Council has stated that it believes delays in the introduction of legislation reforming appeals in the asylum process contributed to costs borne by the taxpayer of more than €3 million in 2011. The 2011 annual report of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal indicates that 73% of the tribunal's non-pay expenditure went on legal costs associated with judicial review proceedings. This was separate from fees paid to part time tribunal members who hear the appeals cases.
Sue Conlan, chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council has said that a key reason for the need for recourse to the courts is a lack of an effective remedy within an asylum system in which decisions are overwhelmingly negative. The inclusion of an effective independent appeal in the new immigration, residence and protection Bill would substantially reduce the need for expensive and lengthy judicial review proceedings. It is important that people who come here seeking a humane and expeditious asylum are treated fairly and equitably and that the system in place is efficient and does not cost the taxpayer more than it should.
I note from the legislative programme that the old Bill is still listed.
I am asking for clarification on when the Minister intends to bring forward the new immigration, residence and asylum Bill. Will we see it before Christmas?
