Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)

Fearaim fáilte mhór roimh an Aire ar ais go dtí an Teach seo inniu. The Minister is very welcome back to the House this afternoon. I compliment him again on his attendance in this House. He is a regular visitor here and it is very much appreciated. I know he has a lot on his desk at the moment but the respect he clearly shows towards this House is noted and appreciated by us all so gabhaim buíochas leis as sin.

I am happy on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group here to take on board the recommendations that the Minister has outlined in great detail this afternoon. It is vitally important when it comes to migration that we have a European response to the problem. Not doing so, if we were left to our own devices, would very much isolate us. The EU migration pact is an important step forward in our having a proper, co-ordinated EU response to this particular issue. On the three proposals the Minister outlined, I am happy to go on his recommendation. Having further time to look at the other issue makes perfect sense. In due course, when he has had time to reflect on that, he will be back to us with his thoughts and recommendations on that.

It is interesting that the list we have of safe countries and the list the EU is operating off are quite similar. There are only three countries which the Minister mentioned, Colombia, Tunisia and Türkiye, which we do not have on our list. It is notable that the lists are very similar. What the Minister outlined on the Ukrainian situation and temporary protection makes good common sense. I am happy to do that.

When it comes to migration, we are all looking for a system, whatever shape or form that takes, that is firm but fair. Since the Minister took office, he has had a lot on his desk. This is one issue which he has taken great control of. I would be glad if he could share up-to-date numbers of those coming to our country seeking international protection and how that compares with the previous 12 months. I would also be grateful if he could outline his ambitions for the turnaround time, if I might put it that way, for dealing with applications. What is the target? What is the current timeframe for to turn around the applications and how that compares with the previous 12 months or 24 months? That would be useful to see where we are.

The issue of migration is not going to go away. I would be interested to know what the figures are for those seeking international protection here and to reflect on those. We can be very proud of our record in this country. We have been very fair. We have opened up our doors to the Ukrainian community who fled the horrible situation in their country. We have opened our arms and houses to them. The generosity of the Irish people is to be noted in that regard. We can be very proud of how we reached out and helped the Ukrainian community. It is amazing how many of them have integrated into our society and how many are working here in this country. From speaking to many of them, I know their desire is to go home whenever it is safe to do so. They are contributing to our society and I very much welcome that. We can be very proud of all we have achieved in that regard.

I am happy to proceed as the Minister outlined. I would be grateful if, when he has the opportunity, he would come back to me on the questions I have raised in my contribution.