Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious of the time. I will try to get my questions out as quickly as I can. I am familiar with the mental health tribunals for reviewing persons involuntary detention, and in that process, the detained person, or the involuntary patient, has representation at the tribunal. They have somebody to advocate for them, that is, a solicitor. It is not a patient advocate, but it is somebody who is appointed. Do appellants have any representation in the appeals process?

I note that on average 72% of initial applicants are refused. In terms of cases affirmed at appeal were: in 2019, it was 71%; in 2020, it was 65%; and in 2021, it was 64%, so it seems to be a similar kind of failure rate. That being the case, it would seem that two out of every three people who c claim asylum are unsuccessful, having been reviewed by the Department. That said, why are they coming here? Do the witnesses have any idea as to whether there is an overarching, common factor as to why people are presenting here for international protection given the numbers?

Does the Department do any follow-up at all on where people go, having failed to achieve international protection here? Do they have any idea what happens to them, or what the outcomes are for them? Does the Department have any feedback which would lead it to believe that some of them find themselves in catastrophic circumstances, having had to return? What are the means of their return?

In regard to the demographic profile, what percentage of people presenting have disabilities? What is the male-female breakdown, and how many are unaccompanied minors?