James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. As the Deputy is aware, I cannot comment on any individual cases. However, I can assure the Deputy that each application for international protection is examined in detail on its individual merits, taking all factors into account. The permission to remain process includes a full consideration of their private and family rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights as well as consideration of their work situation, among other issues. My objective is to have decisions made on international protection applications and permission to remain considerations as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of our protection can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security. For those found not to be in need of international protection, a full consideration of all aspects of their case under the process I have outlined is considered before any deportation order is made.

I can also assure the Deputy that a negative decision on an appeal by the independent International Protection Appeals Tribunal is not the final stage in the international protection process. In these circumstances, an applicant will have their permission to remain consideration reviewed by the International Protection Office. This represents a fifth opportunity for the applicant to put forward his or her case to be allowed to remain in the State, having already been considered for a grant of refugee status, subsidiary protection, permission to remain and the appeal to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal. All appellants who come before the independent tribunal have their appeals assessed on an individual, objective and impartial basis. This is based on precise and up-to-date information from various sources, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, about the general situation prevailing in the country of origin of the appellant concerned, including such information contained in submissions made by them or on their behalf.

I assure the Deputy that the principle of non-refoulementapplies to decisions made on international protection applications. Under international human rights law, the principle of non-refoulementguarantees that no one should be returned to a country where he or she would face torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment and other irreparable harm.

See this speech in context