Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons deported from here to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17676/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The number of persons deported to 13 May in 2005 is 110. In the same period, a further 59 persons were transferred to other EU member states under the Dublin II regulations — Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003 — to have their asylum applications processed there. Another 114 persons opted to return home voluntarily under section 3(4)(b) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended.

I should also mention the new arrangements for the speedier processing of asylum applications for applicants from certain prioritised countries, which I announced on 24 January 2005. These arrangements came into effect from 25 January 2005, covering applicants from Bulgaria, Croatia, Nigeria, Romania and South Africa. The new arrangements are already delivering faster processing times for asylum claims and, where the persons concerned are found not to be in need of protection, to speedier decisions about their return to their countries of origin. I expect this to be reflected in increased numbers of voluntary returns and deportations in the coming months.