Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The vast majority of leave to remain applicants are either failed asylum seekers or have appeals that are ongoing. Is it not extremely questionable that people are obliged to wait, literally for years, in asylum accommodation centres? These individuals have nothing to do all day and this is costing millions of euro in taxpayers' money. In some cases, it takes up to seven years before a decision is made on a leave to remain application. Is that an appropriate system?

What specific steps does the Minister intend to take in order to address the problems that exist? While the system may be resource intensive, it is also creating additional pressures in the context of the cost of accommodation, etc. Is it not the case that by putting in place investment to allow those responsible to deal expeditiously with applications, we would save money in the long term?

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