Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct that in trying to get a handle on, and gain control of, the appeals process, we also need to try to reduce the number of people coming to Ireland seeking asylum. We need to recognise that of the cases processed this year at first instance, more than 80% have been rejected. Regrettably, too many people are coming to Ireland claiming asylum who are not entitled to it.

I accept what the Deputy said about the appeals process: it needs to be expedited. We can expedite it through the recruitment of more tribunal members, and that is something we are doing. We are also going to change the process by which an oral hearing can be available in an appeal. At present, one is entitled to an oral hearing having already had an oral hearing at first instance. There is an oral hearing at first instance and there is an oral appeal. The general scheme of the international protection Bill, which I published earlier this month, will provide that only in exceptional circumstances would one be entitled to an oral hearing in the appeals process. That will expedite the process.

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