Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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340. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the next Cabinet sub-committee on social policy and public service reform will take place; its analysis of the report of the working group on the protection process will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39629/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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An analysis, based on observations received from the relevant Departments and agencies, of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Working Group on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers has been prepared for the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Sector Reform.

One of the key recommendations in the report which goes to the heart of the length of time people spend in Direct Provision is the early enactment of the International Protection Bill and in that regard, the Government has decided to bring forward as a major priority legislation which will provide for the introduction of a single applications procedure for international protection. This reform will simplify and streamline the existing arrangements and provide applicants with a final decision on their protection application in a more straightforward and timely fashion. This is aimed at addressing one of the key issues identified in the report, that is, the length of time persons remain in the direct provision system.

I understand that the next meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee will take place in early December.