Written answers

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Department of Justice and Equality

Immigration Policy

Photo of Nicky McFaddenNicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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1093. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress being made to reform the immigration, residency and asylum systems, particularly in relation to introducing a statutory appeals system and improving transparency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37952/13]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Work on the details of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill is ongoing at my Department. The Bill provides, inter alia, for the introduction of a single application procedure for the investigation of all grounds for protection and any other grounds presented by applicants seeking to remain in the State and also provides for a Protection Review Tribunal. At the same time, in keeping with the commitment given in the Programme for Government, consideration is being given to a statutory appeals system in the immigration area and the model considered most appropriate to this jurisdiction.

Pending the enactment and commencement of the new legislation and with a view to improving processing in the area of international protection, I am introducing new arrangements for the processing of subsidiary protection applications in light of recent judgments in the Superior Courts. My Department, in consultation with the Attorney General's Office, is developing a new legislative and administrative framework for the processing of current and future subsidiary protection applications. This work which is being given high priority is close to completion and applicants will be advised of the new arrangements as soon as possible.

As I have outlined previously to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, it is my considered view that instead of engaging in an extremely cumbersome process of tabling hundreds of amendments to the 2010 Bill it would be much more efficient to publish a new and enhanced text. Such an approach can incorporate the many anticipated amendments while addressing key outstanding issues, several of which have been of concern to Members, including that of a streamlined, single application procedure and that of an appropriate appeals procedure. This proposition was broadly welcomed by the Joint Committee. Work on the Bill continues, therefore, on that basis, including in cooperation with the Offices of Parliamentary Counsel and of the Attorney General while also taking account of any relevant rulings by the Courts. By necessity work on Trioka-related legislation such as the establishment of the Insolvency Service and reform of the delivery of legal services has been a priority for my Department. Pending the completion of this legislative workload, I expect that work on the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will be advanced to enable it to be published as soon as resources allow.

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