Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

145. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the proposed single application procedure. [39987/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to say that the Government this week approved the text of the International Protection Bill and agreed that it be presented before Seanad Éireann. As a result, publication of the Bill will take place soon under the usual procedures. This represents a further significant step in meeting the commitment given in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 to legislate to reduce the length of time an asylum applicant spends in the direct provision system through the establishment of a single applications procedure. In line with the intention of the Government that the Bill be completed for enactment by the end of this year, arrangements have been made to begin Seanad Second Stage of the Bill on 1 December so as to complete its passage through both Houses before the Christmas Recess. I very much appreciate the work that will be involved in bringing this Bill, which enjoys broad political support, to completion and I therefore look forward to working with the Members of both Houses so that this can be achieved.