Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge there were staffing challenges. Staffing numbers will increase considerably when the processing of intra-EU flights begins, which is expected towards the end of next year. In respect of the savings, €3 million of this will be realised from the INIS pay budget and that is as a result of what was a slower than anticipated filling of improved vacancies. Half of this saving relates to the Irish passenger information unit, which has been established and currently processes extra-EU flights. We require primary legislation before the intra-EU flights can be included but staff numbers will increase considerably when that processing begins. Again, I would expect that before the end of next year, albeit towards the end of next year

Efforts are being made to increase staffing levels throughout this year. That has a particular focus of targeting additional resources at areas where there is a backlog, including in the International Protection Office. I acknowledge we have an increase in staff of the order of 156 this year, although this has been partially offset by the departure of almost 100, or 98, to be precise. That is as a result of increased mobility across the Civil Service and across the economy more generally, given that increased mobility is becoming more of a feature. However, every effort is being made to recruit appropriate numbers of staff and, as I said, we have 156 this year. In addition to savings on the pay side, a saving of in excess of €1 million will be realised from the non-pay budget.

I am very conscious of what Deputy Clare Daly has said about the perception of inordinate delays. We are keen to ensure the system operates in an effective manner but also in an efficient manner.