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Asylum Seekers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2022

Wednesday, 2 March 2022

Ceisteanna (155)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

155. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the average waiting time for persons in emergency accommodation centres for asylum seekers to be issued with an appointment or invitation to the International Protection Office; the number of asylum seekers that are in emergency accommodation and Balseskin, Dublin who have not yet formally applied for protection nor received their temporary residency card; the steps that will be taken to ensure swift access to all material supports in line with Ireland’s international human rights obligations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12031/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The overall objective of the Department is to have recommendations made on international protection applications as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection from the State can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.

At all times, people seeking international protection in Ireland can do so without needing an appointment at the office of the International Protection Office (IPO) in Dublin.

People attending the IPO are not required to have a pre-arranged appointment or invitation to do so, and the IPO office can be attended anytime between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday.

As a result, it is not accurate to suggest that there is any waiting time for such appointments.

Anyone wishing to apply for international protection status is strongly encouraged to attend at the IPO office as early as possible, at which time they are granted temporary residence cards, and the processing of their applications can begin.  

Officials of the Department of Justice have also been liaising with their counterparts in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs to ensure that the above information is given to all people availing of the accommodation provided by that Department for those seeking international protection.

Responsibility for the accommodation system and material supports for international protection applicants are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

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