Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I completely agree with the Deputy. That is why the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill is before the House. The only way to deal with this matter is to put in place a single procedure in respect of applications of this nature. That is why it is of great importance that the legislation should be enacted as soon as possible.

It is regrettable that many persons are obliged to live in refugee accommodation for substantial periods. However, in addition to the three stages I outlined in my initial reply, there is also a constant recourse to the courts by way of proceedings for judicial review to impugn decisions that are taken in this multi-layered administrative process. If, at the end of the process, a person has exhausted his or her entitlements under the different statutory provisions and I decide, in the exercise of my discretion, that it is appropriate to make a deportation order, that, in turn, is often impugned before the courts. The new legislation will address many of these issues and will allow us to proceed on the basis of a rapid turnaround in respect of cases of this nature, which is what is required.

See this speech in context