Mr. Colm O'Dwyer:

I thank members for having us today. Something that has been missed, even in our own statements, is that vulnerability assessments are not something new. These were already meant to be done. In fact, the reception conditions directive was implemented here through the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018. I do not know whether Senator Buttimer is aware but regulation 8 of that instrument provides that a vulnerability assessment will be done within 30 working days of an application for asylum or international protection. Mr. Kirwan works in this field as well. He will be able to tell you that this simply was not happening. A pilot program began in 2020, but the obligation has existed since 2018. It arises from EU law. Therefore, a pilot program in 2020 seems very late. That is being followed through, to a certain extent but Ms. Gibney has already given the figures. Obviously, the vast majority of asylum seekers and people seeking international protection who have come over the past couple of years have not had a vulnerability assessment.