Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Okay. We must also advocate for any improvements or changes to how applications are processed. I note the quite remarkable change from 26 months in 2022 to 65 days in 2024. I commend the Minister, her Department and her officials on that. By any measure, it is a very significant change. Applications by people from other countries take longer and the process of verifying details can be more lengthy. The average time for a decision has reduced from 18 months in 2022 to 13 in 2023. Within these figures is a positive news story.

As a member of the international community, as a signatory to the 1951 UN refugee convention and as a result of our rules-based approach, we have a moral, legal and ethical responsibility to support and handle those seeking a better life or our protection. Yesterday, I watched several hundred new Irish citizens being given their citizenship. It was moving to see the pride in their faces and to hear the stories they told. Those who come to these shores almost always enrich our country. Long may that continue.

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