Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

They have strengthened the Bill. Improved processing of applications was required because people have an entitlement to expect that they will be dealt with in a speedy manner.

The Minister has made a valid point in that if 90% of applications are subsequently found to have no validity, there is a significant cost factor in maintaining a slow process of determination. I would welcome anything that can be done to accelerate it.

Some of the amendments are sensible. For example, the Minister may now designate categories of applications, including categorising those that are well or ill founded. Perhaps he will clarify if a sequence of ill founded applications must be processed on an individual basis or can they be dealt with in a manner that will expedite the processing of genuine applications, while maintaining fairness.

Previously, the Refugee Applications Commissioner had to wait for seven days after an interview to allow for further representations. However, given that little happened in this time period to alter decisions made, this provision has been abolished. This will assist the process.