Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hope to ensure that we have a streamlined system and that people are aware of the likely timeframes involved. Currently, the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, IPAT, has up to 80 tribunal members, as against the former membership of 30. There is a backlog in the International Protection Office, IPO, of approximately 5,000, which is not inconsiderable. However, everybody associated with the project is anxious to make sure that this is dealt with. I am most anxious to ensure that the nine-month period is achievable, and that is my intention.