Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. A number of measures are in train to try to reduce any backlog. This is the concern that people have and why they come to us asking where their application is in the system. There are no plans to expand what is being responded to.

The only other option is international protection. Under the 2015 Act, we cannot identify or provide information to somebody other than the applicant that may identify someone as a person who has applied for international protection. This is because we know many people apply because they have left a country not only because of war but because of potential persecution. Identifying them might put them at risk. The rules are very clear on international protection. We are trying to move towards people being able to get these updates so they do not necessarily have to come to us. In this regard, the Department is working to develop a portal to allow all customers to log in to check the status of their respective applications. This is part of an overall modernisation programme that is happening in the Department to try to move everything from the immigration side online. It is quicker and more efficient. While it might not be good for us, it removes us as the middleman. We are trying to provide information.

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