Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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I again welcome Ms Buckley and Mr. Delaney for attending today's meeting and briefing members on the measures the Department of Justice is planning to take to implement the White Paper on ending direct provision.

As we begin, it is only right to recall yesterday's horrific news that 27 people, including a young girl, died off the northern French coast as they tried to reach England. It indicates the level of desperation that too many people in this world are experiencing due to conflict, human rights abuses and, of course, the impacts of climate change in their countries. We also have to be aware that the tragedy we saw yesterday is a reminder that, despite the onset of winter and cold weather, desperate attempts such as yesterday's are continuing all the time. There are people who need protection. This makes it even more fitting that today we will discuss improvements to the way in which we, as a country, play our part in doing this. I thought it was important to mention that and I am sure other members may also refer to it as we discuss the establishment of the new international protection service.

I will start with some questions before inviting other members to contribute. On average, how many applications are processed in a year? At present, how long must an applicant wait for a decision? In her opening statement, Ms Buckley stated the Department was fully committed to its objective of having decisions on international protection applications "as soon as possible". How long is "as soon as possible"? How will the new process be resourced? Are there plans to take on new staff to speed up the process?