Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 March 2012
171 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who applied for subsidiary protection in this State during each of the past ten years and their countries of origin; the number granted subsidiary protection in this State during each of the past ten years; and their countries of origin. [12975/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe available and detailed information sought is being compiled and checked. It will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available. Subsidiary Protection came into effect in Irish law in October 2006, therefore the question of information in respect of it from before that date does not arise.
172 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average length of time it takes for a decision to be made on an application for subsidiary protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12976/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to give an average time frame for processing an application for Subsidiary Protection as each application is given a comprehensive and individual consideration and as such, the circumstances can vary widely. Cases can be complex with applicants coming from over 90 different countries. In effect, consideration of these cases can amount to a reconsideration of earlier applications for refugee status. In addition, some cases take significant periods of time to complete, for example, because of judicial review proceedings made in relation to recommendations of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT). In such cases work on the subsidiary protection application is suspended until the outcome of any legal proceedings is known.
