Mr. Michael Kirrane:

Since the Act came into place, the average length of stay for those in State-provided accommodation has decreased. In 2015, it was 38 months; at the end of 2017, it was 23 months. Our intention is to continue to reduce that. A tiny percentage of applicants who are in direct provision more than three years have not had a first instance decision. The intention is to reduce that number to ensure the same percentage applies for those who are two years in direct provision and, eventually, get to the point where, at the end of next year, a first instance decision is given within nine months.

The other indicator I would give the Chairman is that despite taking on board the 3,500 cases we mentioned during the transition arrangements under the Act, we have reached a point where we are processing more cases than there are new cases entering the system. That, by definition, will reduce the time it takes for cases to be processed.