Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:12. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to regularise undocumented migrants living here. [13284/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraImmigration Status
Ceisteanna (12)
Freagraí scríofa
At EU level, Member States, including Ireland, agreed back in 2008 that they would deal with regularisation only on a case by case basis and the Government continues to support this position.
Ireland has shown itself to be a country that welcomes foreign nationals and this is abundantly clear from our census figures and from our citizenship ceremonies. More than 80,000 people have been naturalised in the past 4 years.
However we are entitled to expect that people coming here will obey our laws, including those that relate to immigration. It is open to any foreign national who finds him or herself in an undocumented situation to apply to the authorities for permission to remain. Cases are carefully considered before a decision is made and it is reasonable for the State to expect that people will respect that decision. It should also be remembered that most people become undocumented through their own conscious actions or omissions. Recognising that in a minority of instances that may not be the case, the Department has operated a scheme to address the situation of those who became undocumented through no fault of their own.
National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan
Ceisteanna (13)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:13. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on delivery of the national disability strategy implementation plan; the number of Departments of State that have submitted their required inputs into the draft plan; the targets that have been discussed under the plan; her views that the plan has taken an inordinate amount of time to prepare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13400/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government committed to publishing, "following wide consultation, a realistic implementation plan for the National Disability Strategy, including sectoral plans with achievable time scales and targets within available resources and ensuring whole-of-government involvement and monitoring of the Strategy, in partnership with the disability sector".
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Implementation Plan to which she refers was submitted to Government on 23 July 2013 and was published following Government Decision of that date. Considerable discussion was undertaken between the disability stakeholders and Government Departments to reach agreement on the suite of actions contained in the Plan and there are no outstanding inputs from Departments or agencies. The Plan sets out the practical measures across all relevant Government Departments to be taken to advance the National Disability Strategy over the period 2013 to 2015 and ensures that available resources are used to best effect to meet the needs of all people with disabilities. The Implementation Plan covers the period up to end-2015 and my Department will shortly commence a consultation process with all relevant stakeholders with a view to putting a revised Disability Inclusion Strategy Implementation Plan in place as from January 2016.
The focus in the follow-on Implementation Plan will be on the key themes that impact on the lives of people with disabilities, on identifying agreed objectives within each theme and on developing specific actions to be undertaken to achieve each of the agreed objectives, together with timelines and key performance indicators.
The National Disability Strategy Implementation Group, which I chair, and which comprises representatives from across Government Departments, representatives from the City and County Managers Association, the National Disability Authority, a broad range of disability organisations, and a number of individuals appointed in their personal capacity to bring their lived experience to the table, will have a central role in shaping the new Implementation Plan.
Garda Inspectorate Reports
Ceisteanna (14)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:14. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that sufficient progress has been made in relation to addressing the problems highlighted in the Garda Inspectorate report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13398/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation forms an important component in the overall justice reform programme which is currently underway and in respect of which significant progress has already been made. Implementation of this programme, including the reforms recommended by the Inspectorate, is being overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform, chaired by An Taoiseach, and the Cabinet Committee recently received an update on progress with respect to the Inspectorate's recommendations.
An Garda Síochána has established an Implementation Steering Group to focus on the implementation of the short, medium and long-term recommendations in the Report. To assist in the overall reform process a Strategic Transformation Office has been established at Garda Headquarters to co-ordinate the implementation of the reforms arising from the Inspectorate’s report.
Notable steps already taken in response to the Report's recommendations include the establishment of Risk Compliance and Continuous Improvement Offices in each Region to ensure the standardisation of processes and to support Regional Garda management in improving the delivery of local policing services and ensuring governance and accountability. In addition, the development of a new Incident Recording Process which addresses the challenges identified in the report is currently being piloted in three Garda Divisions.
Other important measures which are underway include the development of a new accountability framework for crime investigation, incident management and administration, as well as the introduction of a new IT strategic planning process to oversee the necessary and early investment in upgrading Garda technology.
The Garda commitment to improving the support to victims of crime is highlighted in early developments following on the Inspectorate's recommendations. These include the establishment of Garda Victim Service Offices in each Garda Division on 16th March 2015. In addition, a new Child Protection, Domestic Violence and Human Exploitation Unit has been established and a Chief Superintendent appointed to oversee the new unit under the auspices of National Support Services. Updates are also being made to PULSE to facilitate better communication with victims.
I should also note that important work is being led by the Central Statistics Office in relation to the recommendations concerning crime statistics. This includes a detailed analysis of PULSE data in relation to the recording, classification and reclassification of crime, to see whether and to what extent the recommendations may have implications for the crime statistics which the CSO produces. The CSO is also chairing an expert panel to examine the Inspectorate's recommendations on crime statistics. The expert panel will review the crime counting and detection rules, as recommended by the Inspectorate, with a view to introducing new national standards. I understand that the panel will commence its work in the very near future.
More broadly, my Department has recently established a Criminal Justice Strategic Committee, as part of the overall justice sector reform programme, and as also recommended by the Inspectorate. This committee is made up of the heads of all the relevant criminal justice agencies and, as part of its role, will provide a forum to take forward the Inspectorate’s recommendations with cross-cutting implications.
In conclusion, I am satisfied with the progress being made and am in ongoing contact with the Commissioner in relation to the wide range of issues arising from the Inspectorate report and expect to continue to receive regular updates on progress. There will also of course be a central role for the new Police Authority in overseeing the implementation of the reforms identified by the Inspectorate.
More generally, and notwithstanding the issues identified by the Inspectorate as requiring attention, it is also important to note that the Inspectorate's report recognised the dedication and commitment of members of An Garda Síochána to the prevention and detection of crime. That commitment is borne out by the many successes which the Gardaí have had in the investigation of offences. It was certainly demonstrated in the recent investigation into the murder of Elaine O'Hara, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of all of the Garda team involved in the investigation, and express my sympathy with the family and friends of Ms. O'Hara.
Property Services Regulation
Ceisteanna (15)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:15. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the legality around letting agents charging fees to interested parties in order for their names to be put on a list to view a particular property; her views that this is a fair and sustainable practice; the regulations in place to manage estate agent practice, in view of the high level of competition, in seeking out rental accommodation; if her attention has been drawn to the financial hardship involved, if persons have to pay fees for every property they wish to view, when rents are already extremely high; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9074/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, I am not in a position in my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality to provide legal advice in answer to a Parliamentary Question.
The general position is that the Property Services Regulatory Authority licences and regulates all Property Services Providers (i.e. Auctioneers, Estate Agents, Letting Agents and Management Agents) under the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011. Under Section 90 of the Act, any provision whereby a purchaser or a tenant is required to pay or otherwise bear the cost of the licensee's fees or expenses in respect of the sale or letting of a property is void, unless the person concerned engages a Property Services Provider who does not also act for the owner of the property. Any moneys so paid are recoverable as a simple contract debt.
Section 43 of the Act requires licensed Letting Agents to issue a Letter of Engagement, in the form specified by the Property Services Regulatory Authority, to all clients. The form specified stipulates the agreed fees and charges payable by the client to the letting agent. Failure to have in place a Letter of Engagement can be deemed to constitute improper conduct on the part of licensed Property Services Providers. Where the Authority finds a licensed Property Services Provider engaging in improper conduct it may impose a sanction which includes fines of up to €250,000 and/or the revocation of the services providers licence.
Under the Act, any person may make a complaint in writing to the authority alleging that improper conduct by a licensee has occurred or is occurring.
National Women's Strategy
Ceisteanna (16)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:16. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to resource the full implementation of the national women's strategy. [13286/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The implementation of the National Women's Strategy 2007 – 2016 relies upon the efforts of a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies. Insofar as the financial resources being provided by my Department to support the implementation of the Strategy are concerned, the following is the position.
The Equality for Women Measure, co-financed by the ESF, has made funding available to foster the engagement and advancement of women in the economy. Over €10 million was allocated for this since 2007 and €11 million will be spent in the programme period 2014 to 2020.
The actions relating to combating violence against women were incorporated into the first National Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence which expired in December 2014. Under the Strategy, Cosc has run an annual funding programme for awareness raising relating to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Just under €300,000 was provided for this in 2014 and around €280,000 will be provided in 2015. Cosc also funds 13 programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence. In 2014, €484,000 was provided. A further Strategy is expected to be published in May/June.
Measures to address trafficking of women and children are led by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in the Department, which had a budget in 2014 of approximately €710,000 and is one of the main sources of funding for anti-human trafficking NGOs in Ireland.
In relation to promoting women in decision making, a female Talent Bank for State Boards will be developed during 2015 by my Department and the Public Appointments Service with financial support from the EU PROGRESS Fund. Assistance is also being obtained from this Fund for a cross-departmental mentoring and leadership development programme for female Principal Officers and for other initiatives as well. Total assistance from the Fund will amount to just under €200,000.
Family Reunification
Ceisteanna (17)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:17. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will change the guidelines on family reunification visas to take into account a person's prospective income and employment, so that spouses of younger Irish or European Union citizens may avail of this visa option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13394/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Policy Document on non-EEA Family Reunification was published on 31 December 2013 and provides a comprehensive statement of national immigration policy on the area of family reunification. The policies outlined in the document apply to all decision making in relation to family reunification cases where ministerial discretion applies, including long stay (join family) visa applications.
While it is intended that some updates and revisions of the Policy Document on non-EEA Family Reunification will be made in the course of the year, I do not envisage a change along the lines the Deputy is suggesting. When a student graduates with a good qualification, his or her earning potential is no doubt enhanced. However, visa or immigration decisions cannot be based on speculation as to future earnings as it would be open to anyone to make a claim as to their prospects in this regard.
In relation to the specific case cited by the Deputy, as advised in reply to her question number 2676/15 of 21 January, 2015, the visa application was received in the Visa Office, Abu Dhabi on 30 October, 2014. Following full consideration, the Visa Officer decided to refuse the grant of the visa on 2 November, 2014. The decision to refuse was appealed on 14 December, 2014 and said decision upheld by an Appeals Officer on 24 December, 2014. This decision was communicated to the applicant.
The Visa Appeals Officer did not consider that the person concerned provided sufficient evidence to meet the financial criteria as set out in paragraph 17.2 of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. The Visa Appeals Officer deemed the evidence provided to demonstrate adequate levels of available finances to be insufficient. This increases the likelihood that the granting of a visa in this case could result in a cost to State funds or resources.
Garda Investigations
Ceisteanna (18)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:18. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of files held by the State into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly in July 1985 will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13169/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, earlier this week I published the report by Mr. Dominic McGinn, SC, who was appointed to carry out an independent examination of the report of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) relating to the Garda investigation into the death of Fr. Niall Molloy. The report was published with a number of redactions which were made following consultation with the Attorney General and in agreement with Mr. McGinn.
It is important to acknowledge, as I did when publishing the report, that first and foremost this case involves the tragic death of a man much loved by his family and by those in the community.
On foot of concerns raised by the family of Fr Molloy, the SCRT carried out a major review of the case which involved an extensive examination of the original investigation, as well as detailed inquiries into the additional issues raised. The SCRT report was submitted to the DPP who advised that there be no further prosecution in the case.
While I, as Minister, have no role in the prosecution process I am of course very aware of the claims which have been made about Father Molloy’s death over many years. In an effort to address concerns about this matter, it was decided to appoint Mr. McGinn to independently assess what information could be put into the public domain regarding the case, and to advise as to whether further inquiry would be warranted. This was an exceptional course of action, motivated by the desire to bring the greatest possible transparency to bear.
The thrust of Mr. McGinn's report has been to shed light on as many issues as possible in order to minimise the number of unanswered questions regarding the case. The report outlines how some of the concerns expressed about this case are simply not supported by evidence. It also details shortcomings in the original investigation, which were identified by the SCRT Review.
While unanswered questions do remain, the report concludes that the precise events surrounding Father Molloy’s death cannot now be ascertained. It concludes that, given the passage of time, the death of many of the pertinent witnesses, and the reluctance of others to give evidence, it is unlikely any further inquiry would have a reasonable prospect of establishing the truth. In these circumstances I have accepted the report's recommendation that examination by a further inquiry would not be warranted.
I acknowledge that this is not the outcome that Fr Molloy's family have sought but I believe it is the only reasonable conclusion that can be reached following Mr McGinn's careful analysis of the SCRT review. Shortly before the report was published I arranged to provide a copy of the report to family representatives and I have also agreed to meet with them in the near future should they so wish.
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
Ceisteanna (19)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:19. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that Garda whistleblowers are being adequately served by the new arrangement whereby the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has now taken over the role of the confidential recipient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13395/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Protected Disclosures Act 2014 came into operation on 15 July, 2014 as part of this Government's comprehensive approach to enhance the protection available to whistle blowers, including Garda whistleblowers. Section 19 of the Act inserted a new provision into the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to be a prescribed person under the 2014 Act to investigate disclosures relating to the Garda Síochána, including disclosures from members of the Garda Síochána. The new provision also repealed the Garda Síochána (Confidential Reporting of Corruption or Malpractice) Regulations 2007. The Statutory Instrument (No. 339 of 2014) which prescribed GSOC as a body to receive protected disclosures was signed into law on 23 July, 2014.
Members of the Garda Síochána may now communicate their concerns to the Garda Commissioner (as their employer) or to GSOC (as a prescribed body) under the provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and are entitled to the protections provided by the Act.
I am satisfied that the legislative provisions now in place under the 2014 Act, including the protections afforded for whistleblowers, will prove to be an effective remedy for members who wish to report their concerns regarding potential wrongdoing.
Equality Legislation
Ceisteanna (20)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:20. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that are being taken to remove obstacles hindering the ability of persons in receipt of rental supplement from securing adequate accommodation in the private rental sector; her views on reported discrimination against these persons in their efforts to secure accommodation in the rented sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9016/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As previously announced the Government has decided in principle to amend the Equal Status Acts to prohibit discrimination in relation to residential tenants, or prospective tenants, on the basis that they receive assistance with their rent through rent supplement or social welfare payments.
The necessary legislative amendments are being prepared by my Department in consultation with the relevant other Departments and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. These are expected to be available soon and when approved by Government, I propose to publish them as amendments to the Employment Equality (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill. Committee Stage of that Private Member's Bill is due to resume in the Seanad later in the current parliamentary term with a view to its early passage.
Independent Review Mechanism
Ceisteanna (21)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that the independent review mechanism is not conducting full investigations into the cases but rather assessing whether they merit full investigation, the reason it is taking so long; when the findings of the assessments will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13396/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government, as part of its response to the report by Seán Guerin SC, took the initiative to have an independent review carried out of the allegations of Garda misconduct which had been submitted to my Department, to the Office of the Taoiseach and a number of other public representatives. This unprecedented decision was taken with a view to getting an objective and independent legal view on whether further action might be warranted in any case.
As the Deputy is aware, a panel consisting of two senior and five junior counsel was established for that purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system. The independent review is ongoing and 318 cases have been referred to the Panel. The volume and complexity of cases has led to the review taking longer than originally anticipated, but it is important that counsel take the time necessary to consider each case fully and carefully. Counsel are making every effort to conclude their work as soon as is reasonably practicable.
The review in each case consists of an examination of the papers by independent counsel, who then make a recommendation as to whether any further action might be taken. I know that some Deputies have argued that the review should have involved interviews with the complainants and other relevant persons, but with respect I think that is to misunderstand this process. The purpose of the review is to triage the allegations to see if further investigations are needed. To have required counsel to hold hearings where they would interview everyone concerned would in effect have been to hold full-scale investigations into over 300 cases, without having made any attempt to see if this was necessary or practical. In view of the fact that it was thought that the review might be completed within three months it was clear that the process did not envisage hearings or interviews. The fact that it is taking longer is due to the higher number of cases than originally notified, the complexity of some of those cases and the fact that counsel have their other commitments to their clients and the courts.
I would assure the Deputy that where further investigation is recommended by the review then that will occur. However I would also make the point again that in many cases, counsel may recommend that no further action can reasonably be taken. This might be, for example, because a case has already been through due process, such as an investigation by GSOC or a court hearing, even though the complainant remains unhappy with the outcome. The crucial point, however, is that every case will have been reviewed by independent counsel, who will have made an objective recommendation.
The Panel has made significant progress and the submission of recommendations to me is being prepared by officials. Each recommendation will be very carefully considered, but as a matter of general principle let me say quite clearly that, in coming to a decision in each case, I will be very strongly guided by the independent advice of counsel. Quite clearly having engaged counsel for this review, it would be entirely appropriate to be guided by their advice. There will be no undue delay in the process of notifying complainants of the outcome of the reviews, a process which I expect will start shortly.
DNA Database
Ceisteanna (22)
David Stanton
Ceist:22. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the implications for Forensic Science Ireland of the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13373/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that the forensic capacity of An Garda Síochána will be further enhanced by a new national DNA database which is scheduled to become operational shortly. I fully recognise the very significant contribution of Forensic Science Ireland within the criminal justice system and the vital role it has in providing evidence for the courts.
In that context and in the context of the new DNA database, the provision of a new facility and plans to provide replacement staff for those leaving on retirement are being actively pursued.
Garda Deployment
Ceisteanna (23)
Niall Collins
Ceist:23. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions she will take to address the theft of bicycles in urban areas; if she will establish a specific task force to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13367/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any question of detailed Garda deployment and resource management, it is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to evaluate and consider the benefits of relevant policing and crime prevention strategies. I have, however, brought the Deputy's proposal to the attention of the Garda authorities.
An Garda Síochána is proactive in encouraging the public to protect their property, including bicycles, and a range of measures are in place to prevent and tackle the theft of bicycles.
In this regard I am informed by the Garda authorities that a range of operational measures are pursued to combat bicycle theft and to target those who engage in it, and there is ongoing provision by An Garda Síochána of crime prevention information, and awareness raising among the general public and bicycle retailers in relation to bicycle theft.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that analysis is conducted to determine areas of high volume theft and to identify the main offenders for these crimes so that a targeted operational approach is taken to prevention and detection.
The range of measures being pursued by An Garda Síochána include working with bicycle retailers and communities to encourage and promote bicycle registration. Gardaí also provide presentations to Neighbourhood Watch schemes, policing forums, schools, places of employment, and consult with apartment and building management companies on bicycle security and safety generally.
Policing Authority Establishment
Ceisteanna (24)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:24. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when we may expect the legislation relating to the establishment of a Garda authority, in view of the fact that she had promised that this body would be up and running by the end of 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13397/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The introduction of legislation to provide for a Policing Authority is a key element of the Government's comprehensive programme of justice reform. Drafting of the Bill to establish the new Authority is proceeding as a matter of priority and I look forward to publishing it in the near future.
Currently the Chairperson-designate of the Policing Authority, Ms Josephine Feehily, is involved in the on-going preparations for its establishment.
Refugee Status Applications
Ceisteanna (25)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:25. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average length of time that applicants for asylum orrefugees status have remained in this country awaiting a decision on their case; and the extent to which persons in the country for five years or more may expect to have their cases dealt with expeditiously. [13167/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Applications for refugee status rose by 53% in 2014 and in the first two months of this year were 129% ahead of the same period in 2014. This has resulted in the median processing times at first instance increasing from 12 weeks in January 2014 to 21 weeks in January 2015. The median processing time for appeals of refugee status decisions in 2014 was some 49 weeks for appeals involving an oral hearing and 39 weeks in the case of appeals decided on papers only.
Where a person is refused refugee status and has applied for subsidiary protection the investigation of this application follows. The Deputy should also be aware that the time taken to process a protection application to finality can be prolonged by the taking of judicial review proceedings against decisions made at various stages of the protection determination process.
I have previously acknowledged that the length of time that applicants spend in the protection process is a matter that needs to be addressed particularly in light of the sharp increase in asylum application volumes in 2014 and so far in 2015. The Deputy may be aware that an Independent Working Group was established in October 2014 to recommend to the Government what improvements should be made to the protection process, including direct provision and supports to asylum seekers. One of the tasks of the Working Group is to identify improvements to existing arrangements for the processing of protection applications taking account of the Government's intention to legislate for a single application procedure.
The Group began its work in November last under the Chairmanship of retired High Court Judge, Bryan McMahon and its membership is drawn from a range of interests in the international protection area including UNHCR, non-governmental organisations, protection applicants, academia, and relevant Government Departments and Offices. The Working Group is due to report to Government with its recommendations by May 2015.
I have also committed to introducing legislative change in the Protection area to provide for a single application procedure with a view to reducing the length of time applicants spend in the protection process. On 25 March 2015 I published the General Scheme of the International Protection Bill, which was approved by Government last week. This is the first step in delivering the Government's undertaking in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014 - 2016 to legislate to reduce the length of time protection applicants spend in the system. My objective is to reform the current multi-layered and sequential system which can result in applicants being accommodated in the State's system of direct provision for indeterminate periods of time. The single procedure will identify at a much earlier stage those who are in need of international protection and should be granted status and those who have no entitlement to stay in the State and who can safely return to their country of origin.
In accordance with the Government decision I have forwarded the General Scheme of the Bill to the Attorney General for the detailed drafting of the legislation which, subject to the approval of the Government at a future time, will be presented to the Oireachtas for enactment into law. My aim is for the legislation to be enacted by the end of this year.
Notwithstanding the deliberations of the Working Group on the Protection Process and the future publication of the International Protection Bill, a number of other initiatives have already been put in place to address the number of cases on hand in the protection system which are yielding significant results. Various strategies are being utilised to deal with cases on hand including the scheduling of interviews of applicants on Saturdays. The transfer of subsidiary protection application processing to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner in late 2013 has resulted in the scheduling of 1,500 interviews so far and the production of decisions in some 1,000 cases at first instance. In addition, a further 1,300 subsidiary protection applications have either been withdrawn or deemed withdrawn. The processing of these cases has been greatly aided by the establishment of a legal panel set up to assist the Commissioner with this work. Based on the success of the use of the panel it is now planned to expand it and extend its remit to include the processing of asylum applications.
To assist with processing at the appeals stage of the process I have recently appointed nine additional members to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. These members have been selected from those who were considered suitable for appointment following a competitive process involving the Public Appointments Service.
My Department is also actively considering what other measures can be taken to reduce the number of cases on hand at the leave to remain stage of the process in advance of the introduction of a single application procedure.